So Long, Beck

Two weeks ago, one of my favorite Giants players passed away. Rod Beck was just 38 years old. He pitched for San Francisco from 1991 to 1997 and was the closer. While with the team, he made it to the All-Star Game three times.

Today, I dread save situations. No matter how many runs the Giants score, no matter the size of the lead, it never feels safe. It feels as though the team is handing away the win when it hands the ball to the bullpen.

That wasn't the case when Beck was the stopper. When he came in, the game was as good as over. (It's true, he blew saves like everybody else, but he seemed to do it so rarely.)

Back then, I craved save situations. In fact, I would be disappointed if the Giants went into the ninth inning with a greater than three-run lead because it meant Number 47 wouldn't be pitching.

Besides performance, Beck had personality and it showed through his appearance. He was a stout figure with a mane of hair best described as a wild mullet. He had a huge Fu Manchu mustache and a right arm that swung like a pendulum as he looked at the catcher for his sign. I remember emulating that arm motion for fun when playing pick-up games.

His best pitch was the splitter. It wasn't very fast, but he threw it hard and made hitters look silly as they swung at the ball futilely or watched it snap by for a strike.

His best season was in 1993 (he saved 48 games), but he was instrumental to the Giants all the way through 1997, when the team replaced him with Rob Nen. He started to decline after that, playing for Chicago, Boston, and San Diego before fading from the game in 2004.

Despite his mean, bulldog look, Beck was known for being friendly and kindhearted. Reading through some of his obituaries, I wasn't surprised to learn that he was heavily involved in charity work and was adored by teammates and fans alike. It was heartbreaking to learn of his substance abuse and one wonders if it contributed to his death somehow.

In my heart, Beck will forever be a Giant, one of the notable names in the team's history, and I'll miss him.