RIP Rod Beck

[Berzerker]

Found dead in his home in Phoenix

relief pitcher and closer for SF, SD and more I think

[-Jrabbit]

Beck's career-best was 51 saves in his only full season the Cubs in '98, the last of a 6-year run as one of the top closers (30+ saves in 5 of those years) in the game. Spent his early career with the Giants, where he built an impressive early resume. Finished with 286 career saves.

He was a hard-working, fun-loving, blue collar guy who loved the game and got the most out of his skills. Not HOF material by any means, but a gamer beloved by both teammates and fans. Mr. Beck would likely ask that we toast his life with a clink of longnecks.

Only 38. Very sad. RIP, Rod.

[Ming]

Yeah... a clink of some longnecks would be appropriate for Rod.

ESPN was "guessing" that maybe it was a self inflicted death... not intentional suicide, but possibly drug related. It will be interesting to hear what the cause of death was.

[-Jrabbit]

They say it will be a few days on COD. He went into rehab for 2 months during his last season with San Diego, and was pretty open about having some "issues" with substance abuse.

[Ming]

I just wish ESPN hadn't speculated about it... If the COD ends up being substance abuse, FINE! But to mention it based only on guesses and with no supporting information, I think that sucks!

[Arrian]

Wow. I remember Rod Beck. Didn't he have a short stint with the Red Sox?

38...

-Arrian

[-Jrabbit]

Yeah, the Cubs dealt him to Boston mid-season.