There seem to be fewer and fewer Major Leaguers who are truly thankful for their talents and their situation in life. Rod “Shooter” Beck was one of those guys. He died today of unknown causes at the age of 38.
Beck, who was the Cubs’ closer during the 1998 season, was one of the most entertaining relievers the Cubs have ever had. With his arm swaying furiously back and forth, his mullet flowing out behind him, and his handlebar mustache hearkening back to the Old West, #47 racked up 51 saves for the Cubs that season, even if he did it in nail-biting fashion.
I remember the stories when Beck was in AAA Iowa for the Cubs, trying to make a Major League comeback. Beck parked his RV outside the center field wall, and would sit out after the games, sharing beers and swapping stories with any fans who so chose to swing by and sit a spell with Shooter.
Beck was one of the truly nice, talented, old-school pitchers. He’ll be missed.
*Thanks to raymon322 for the tip, and BananaHands for the ESPN (I know, I know) article.
