Rod Beck Dies
As most of you know, Rod Beck passed away at the age of 38 today. He left behind many good baseball memories. His 51 save, 144 ERA+ performance in the fun 1998 season stands out, of course. Though his 1999 season was a disappointment, Beck made a memorable comeback attempt in 2003 following Tommy John surgery the year before. He pitched lights out at Iowa for two months. Last year, I called Jim Hendry's failure to find a bullpen spot for Beck that season one of his worst moves as a GM. Beck ultimately caught on with the Padres and pitched very well.
Other Rod Beck coverage:
Rod Beck and His Trailer (5/16/2003)
"Looking at the Iowa pitching stats, Rod Beck appears to have been the best option if the Cubs wanted an extra reliever . . ." (5/11/2003)
"Adding further intrigue to the bullpen story, Rod Beck’s line at Iowa looks mighty impressive . . ." (5/5/2003)
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Shooter will be missed
Rod Beck, aka Shooter, was a one of a kind.
Sad news
I went to this game at the Astrodome in 1998 with my parents. The Cubs took a one-run lead in the top of the 11th, and Beck naturally came in to close the game in the bottom of the inning. He promptly put two men on base, with one out, before getting the final two outs to seal the Cubs' win.
My mom was so nervous that she had to turn away. But, that was Beck. He always seemed to be putting men on base, but always seemed to get out of it with the win intact, at least in 1998. It got to the point that I didn't even mind - I just figured, he always does this, he'll get out of it. No problem!
I really don't remember much from 1999, when he was much less successful. But he was a lot of fun to watch in that 1998 season.