Deadspin: Rod Beck

Live In Rod Beck's House

Leitch — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 16:30:33 EDT

In the mood to dwell on some dark sadness? Yeah? Us too! As Red Sox Monster finds, it didn't take long for them to put Rod Beck's house on the market. Nice place, too.

Here's The Dugout's take on what happened ...

rickchand — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:30:35 EDT

Here's The Dugout's take on what happened when Rod Beck arrived in Heaven. That Jesus; he's such a card. [The Dugout]

When Rod Beck Ruled The World

rickchand — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:30:55 EDT

There's still no official word on what caused the death of former Major League pitcher Rod Beck, found in his Phoenix home on Sunday at the age of 38. Beck, of course, was one of baseball's great relievers for a stretch in the 1990s, in addition to being one of sports' great guys. For every fan, journalist or player who has been given the cold shoulder by Barry Bonds, the genuine warmth of Rod Beck has made up for it twice over.

The San Francisco Chronicle has a couple of nice pieces on him today, one by the always solid Scott Ostler. We love the story about how Beck, on the comeback trail in 2003, parked his RV behind the center field fence at the Cubs' Triple-A facility in Des Moines, Iowa. He refused to check in to a hotel because that would mean admitting that he was really in the minors.

The RV, of course, soon became the post-game hangout for players and fans, with Beck passing out the free beer. Classic Rod Beck.

Mark Gonzales, who covers the White Sox for the Chicago Tribune, covered the Giants for the San Jose Mercury News when Beck played there. Said Gonzales: "I know, you're not supposed to be close to players, but Rod was the only player I invited to my wedding."

And that's all that needs to be said right there.

An Ode To Shooter: Rod Beck (1968-2007) [SFGate]
What A Relief It Was To Have Shooter Around [SFGate]
Rod Beck RIP [Chicago Tribune]

Rod Beck Is Dead At 38

mjdeadspin — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:57:39 EDT

Former Major League closer Rod Beck has passed away at the age of 38. He died yesterday in Phoenix, and the cause of death, at this time, is still unknown. Beck closed for the Giants, Cubs, Red Sox and Padres, and amassed 286 career saves.

More details as they become available...

(UPDATE: More from the East Valley Tribune, via Sports by Brooks)

Phoenix police said they were called to a northeast Phoenix home for a call of an unknown death and discovered a person dead and alone.
Police said the prominent person has two young children who are away at camp, and until the kids are notified, the person's name won't be released.

No foul play is suspected, police said, but authorities are investigating the death since the person was alone. The cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.

Rod Beck, R.I.P. [ChicagoSports.com]
Prominent Valley figure dead; cops won't say who [East Valley Tribune]
Rod Beck Death Followed Cryptic Arizona Report [Sports by Brooks]
R.I.P. Rod Beck 1968-2007 [SOX & Dawgs]