Cocaine Tied to Pitcher's Sudden Death

Police found cocaine in Rod Beck's home; widow confirms habit

By Joseph Fasano, Newser User

Posted Aug 1, 2007 7:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – Phoenix police found cocaine and drug paraphernalia in the home of former All-Star pitcher Rod Beck following his sudden death in June, they said yesterday. Officials found "large quantities of powder, crack, and rock cocaine," the Arizona Republic reports. Though the medical examiner has not released the official cause of death, Beck's assistant said he used cocaine daily.

"Rodney had a disease of addiction, and it stole him away," Beck's widow said yesterday. Beck, who pitched for the Giants, Padres and Chicago Cubs, among other teams, was a boisterous personality who sometimes partied with fans. In recent years, though, he championed charities, including an AIDS organization. Beck, who played his final game in '04, was 38.

San Diego Padres pitcher Rod Beck reacts after getting the final out on Arizona Diamondbacks Carlos Baerga in this July 19, 2003 file photo, in San Diego. Police say they found evidence of cocaine and... (Associated Press)

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Rod Beck pumps his fist after earning a save in a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays in this July 26, 2001 file photo at Fenway Park in Boston. Beck was found dead... (Associated Press)

Former Chicago Cubs reliever Rod Beck, shown in this 1999 file photo, was found dead Saturday, June 23, 2007. He was 38. Beck was found by police officers responding to a call to his home in suburban... (Associated Press)

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Cocaine Tied to Pitcher's Sudden Death

Police found cocaine in Rod Beck's home; widow confirms habit

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Rod Beck Found Dead at 38

Long-haired, hard-living closer was a favorite around the league

MLB's Midterm Report Cards

Rays at the head of the class—Rockies, Marlins at the back

$1.5B Yanks MLB's Most Valuable Team

Marlins come bottom in latest ranking of baseball's MVTs

Sox, Dodgers, Phillies Win Openers

Phillies, too

Dempster K's 12 to Lead Cubs Over Padres 4-0

Cubs hurler goes eight-plus innings, knocks in go-ahead run

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