Rod Beck: Never Forget

Rodney Roy Beck was an animal on the mound, with a fierce mustache and a fastball to match.

 

Beck spent thirteen years in the big leagues, and accomplished more in that time than most people could ever dream about.    

 

From then on, his career took off.

It wasn't long until Beck assumed the role as Giants closer role from Dave Righetti, recording 17 saves with a 1.76 ERA in 1992. The next year, Beck posted 48 saves and set a new Giants record for consecutive save opportunities converted.

Beck was a three-time All-Star, and won the NL Rolaids Relief Award in 1994. He also notched an astonishing 51 saves (a feat only matched by eight other relievers) in leading the 1998 Cubs to the playoffs.

He ranks 21st on the all-times saves list with 286, and his 48 saves in 1993 are still a Giants record.

Accolades aside, Beck was known as a hardworking teammate who touched lives wherever he went. Sadly, Beck was found dead on June 23rd by police officers responding to a call from his home in Phoenix, Arizona.

The cause of death is unknown, but police officials have stated that there is no suspicion of foul play.    

Beck was only 38 years old, but had lived more than most people do in a lifetime. He cared for the community and he cared for his fans; he never failed to appreciate everything he was given.

His mound presence was one of the scariest in recent memory, but off the field he was a loving role model to everyone who knew him. 

He will be missed.