Rod Beck Has Died

(posted by OMDQ)

From 1993 to 1998, Rod Beck was one of the best closers in baseball, saving 30+ games five times with a high of 51 for the Cubs in 1998. He was named to three National League All-Star teams in that time and won the Rolaids Relief award as the league’s top reliever in 1994.

After spending the prime of his career with the San Francico Giants, Beck moved on to Chicago (1998-99), Boston (1999-2001) and San Diego (2003-04). His last stop as a closer was his first season with the Padres, when he filled in admirably while Trevor Hoffman missed most of the year with an injury.

Beck was notable for more than his pitching: he was also “‘Shooter’, the guy with the shaggy mullet, the bushy Fu Manchu and the endearing beer belly, the guy who laughs contagiously, smokes religiously and look more like a plumber than a professional baseball player…“

According to ESPN reports, Beck died at his home in Arizona today at the age of 38. No cause of death has been released, but police do not suspect foul play. The above link is being updated as more information becomes available.

Photo: Red Sox Nation