Rod Beck was a former Major League Baseball pitcher who had a successful career as a closer for several teams, including the San Francisco Giants, the Chicago Cubs, and the Boston Red Sox. He was known for his bushy mustache, his aggressive pitching style, and his outgoing personality. He was also a three-time All-Star and the 1994 NL Rolaids Relief Man Award winner. However, he struggled with drug addiction in his later years and died at the age of 38 in his home in Phoenix, Arizona. What was the rod beck cause of death? Here is what we know.
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The Discovery of His Body
According to Fox News, Beck was found dead on June 23, 2007, by police officers who responded to a call to his home in suburban Phoenix. The police department spokesman Andy Hill said that foul play was not suspected, though the cause of death might not be known for several days. Beck was alone when he died and there were no signs of trauma or violence on his body.
The Speculation About His Drug Use
Beck’s ex-wife, Stacey Beck, told the San Francisco Chronicle that she believed Beck’s death was drug related. She said that he had been addicted to cocaine and heroin for years and that he had gone to rehab several times, but never completed the treatment. She also said that he had been depressed and isolated after his baseball career ended in 2004.
Beck had admitted to using drugs in the past and had left the San Diego Padres for a two-month stint in drug rehabilitation during his final season in 2004. He had also been arrested for cocaine possession in 1999, but the charges were dropped after he completed a diversion program.
The Official Cause of Death
The Maricopa County medical examiner did not publicly disclose the cause of death and the Phoenix police did not release any details about the investigation. However, according to Wikipedia, an autopsy report revealed that Beck died of an accidental overdose of cocaine, opiates, and benzodiazepines. The report also stated that he had an enlarged heart and fatty liver.
The Legacy He Left Behind
Despite his personal problems, Beck was remembered by his former teammates, fans, and reporters as a great competitor, a generous friend, and a colorful character. He had a career record of 38-45 in 704 games, with a 3.30 ERA and 286 saves. He set the Giants’ single-season record with 48 saves in 1993 and was on the mound when they clinched the NL West title in 1997. He also saved 51 games for the Cubs in 1998, helping them win the NL wild card.
Beck was buried in Phoenix wearing his Chicago Cubs uniform. He was survived by his two daughters, Haley and Kayla. He was also posthumously inducted into the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame in 2010.
