Rodney Roy Beck (August 3, 1968 – June 23, 2007), nicknamed "Shooter", was an American professional baseball relief pitcher in Major League Baseball who played for the San Francisco Giants (–), Chicago Cubs (–), Boston Red Sox (1999–) and San Diego Padres (–). He batted and threw right-handed.
Career
San Francisco Giants
The Oakland Athletics drafted Beck as a starting pitcher in the 13th round (327th pick) of the 1986 Major League Baseball draft. Prior to the 1988 season, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants organization.
Beck made his Major League debut on May 6, 1991, but his season numbers were more impressive. He had a 3.78 ERA, pitched innings in 31 games, and struck out 38 while walking 13. In he recorded 48 saves, including 24 consecutive. At the time, both marks were Giants franchise records. Beck found success using a sinker, slider, and splitter.
Chicago Cubs
After the 1997 season, the Giants felt Beck's best years were behind him, and allowed him to leave as a free agent to sign with the Chicago Cubs, replacing him with Robb Nen. Beck set a career high in saves in 1998, his first season with the Cubs, converting 51 of 58 chances. who turned out to be Cole Liniak.
Boston Red Sox
Beck pitched well for the surging Red Sox, although he struggled in the postseason, giving up a Bernie Williams walk-off home run in Game One of the 1999 ALCS. Beck was not as good in his two full seasons with the team as he had been in the past. While pitching for the team's AAA affiliate Iowa Cubs during his comeback, Beck gained national attention for living in a motor home behind the team's Sec Taylor Stadium (now Principal Park) in Des Moines. Beck warmly welcomed fans to drop by and visit, signed autographs and offered free beer. This time he did not play in the majors for the Cubs, and they released him in May 2003. He converted 20 saves in 20 chances, while posting a 1.78 ERA. In 2004, Beck dealt with personal problems during Spring Training and struggled in a seventh inning role for the Padres. Beck was released by San Diego in August. The Maricopa County medical examiner did not publicly disclose the cause of death and the Phoenix police did not suspect foul play. Cocaine and heroin were found in his home and bedroom.
Beck was buried in Phoenix wearing his Chicago Cubs uniform. He was added to the ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame, earlier than the typical retirement rule due to his death, and received two votes.