On what may have been the highlight of the SF Giants so far dismal season, taking two of three from the NY Yankees, they also lost one of their most unique, unusual and loved players.
"Former Giants closer Rod Beck, whose spirit flowed as freely as his long hair, and who intimidated hitters with a Fu Manchu mustache and an even more menacing split-finger fastball, was found dead in his Phoenix home Saturday. He was 38.
The Giants were notified in a phone call Saturday night from Beck's agent. The cause of death was not known, and the Arizona Republic reported that police are investigating because Beck was alone when he died. The authorities do not suspect foul play.
"This is a bad day for baseball," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy, who managed Beck with the Padres in 2003 and 2004, his final two years in the big leagues. "To lose a guy who has done so much for the game, so much for the Giants' organization, that's why this is such a tragedy."
Beck saved 286 games over 13 major-league seasons, including 199 for the Giants from 1991 through '97. That stood as the franchise record until Robb Nen broke it in 2002. Moments after Nen earned the milestone save, Beck phoned the Giants' media-relations department to make sure they relayed a message of congratulations.
Beck was a three-time National League All-Star and the 1994 Rolaids Relief Award winner."
scorp17yh
Brookings, OR
November 2004
JUN 25, 2007 07:51 AM