Last night, the East Valley Tribune, a metropolitan Phoenix-based newspaper, reported that a "prominent" valley figure was dead, but that the police wouldn't reveal exactly who that prominent figure because that person's two kids -- away at camp -- had yet to be notified. Today, the Chicago Tribune is reporting that person to be Rod Beck.
There seem to be a limited number of details surrounding Beck's death, but he apparently died at home by himself. No foul play is suspected.
Beck pitched for the Giants, Cubs, Red Sox, and Padres, but experienced his best years early in his career. He was an All-Star with the Giants in 1993 and 1994, and in 1998 helped the Cubs clinch a Wild Card berth. He retired in 2004.
More details as they're reported. Rest in peace, Rod.
(HT: Sports by Brooks)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-24-2007 @ 5:30PM
Joe Stack said...
A Great Guy! So sad!!! Rock in Peace Rod! I still remember your first night at Fenway. Late flight, didn't think you'd play that night, but fans chanted Beck, Beck, Beck, til they put you in and you closed it sweetly. I was one of them!
Best wishes to you and your family Rod. Hopefully you went from being an ex Red Sox to being an ANGEL!
Joe
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6-24-2007 @ 8:43PM
JuneMarie62 said...
This is so sad, and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends. He was always on the oppossing team...I am a longtime Braves fan...but Rod Beck would scare you to death when he took the mound. You just knew the game was over for your team when he was out there...and when you beat him, you felt like your team was on the top of the world...I know this is a sad day for the entire baseball community & family.
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6-25-2007 @ 1:03AM
amy said...
so sorry for your loss!!!! way to young to be gone!!
hopefully the children with learn to deal with his death which is hard lost my dad at 41 but i'm sure you are a great mother and will always be there for them and a supportive family. my prayers are with all of you
marshfield,wi
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6-25-2007 @ 1:51AM
Rick said...
I hope it was an accident. It is so sad when these guy's don't realize what they have and have had. If I could play one year in the majors it would be so cool. I guess when you grow up and your always head and shoulders above everyone else, you yourself never realize how lucky you are. RIP Rod, may you go to heaven as fast as your fastball went by me in school.
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6-25-2007 @ 3:28AM
baseball picks said...
A sad day, Beck was a true chicago guy and will be missed. Prayers go out to his family.
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6-25-2007 @ 3:31PM
AARON SCHWINGER said...
A TRUE LOSS OF A LEGEND. HIS PITCHING AND INTIMIDATION OF OPPONENTS WAS UNMATCHED IN HIS TIME.
FROM AN OLD GIANT FAN.
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6-25-2007 @ 11:31AM
George Mitchell said...
Steroids, amphetamines kill!
Steve Howe
Josh Hancock
Kirby Puckett
Ken Caminitti
George Mitchell & Disney/ESPN is to blame.
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6-25-2007 @ 12:39PM
Larry said...
Even though a Braves fan and having the pleasure of seeing the Braves overcome the Giants in 1993, Rod Beck was always one of my favorite pictures to watch.
He went right after the hitters and looked more comfortable on a softball field than a baseball field. That mullet he had in the early 90's was a classic as well!
To the Beck family and friends, sorry for your loss.
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