Steve Bechler: 1979-2003

by Scott Christ on Feb 18, 2009 12:07 PM EST in O's History

It was six years ago yesterday that pitcher Steven Scott Bechler died in Fort Lauderdale during the opening days of Orioles spring training. He was just 23.

For those of you who might be younger readers and don't know the story of Steve Bechler, he died as a result of heat stroke brought on in part by the now-banned ephedra herbal supplement, which was briefly a big thing for people trying to lose weight and boost their energy.

Steve was an expectant father at the time of his death, and his daughter Hailie now lives with her mother, Kylie, and her new husband. Dan Connolly did a wonderful article on Bechler's legacy last year.

Steve never got the chance to become memorable on the field, but he'll always be an Oriole. We would be wrong to forget him, no matter how short his stay.

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RIP

http://www3.amherst.edu/~rjyanco94/literature/alfrededwardhousman/poems/ashropshirelad/toanathletedyingyoung.html

"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning." Churchill,1942-- a rebuilding year.

by Titov on Feb 19, 2009 4:55 AM EST reply actions

I remember

exactly when this happened…felt like going through Len Bias’ death all over again. Its always sad to see a young life lost.

"When they get drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, we expect them to play like that. Are we surprised? No."

by UMBC Oriole fan on Feb 19, 2009 11:24 AM EST reply actions

jeez

I just noticed that because of the “in memoriam” tag on this post, the Stories from Around SBN section on the right sidebar is filled with boxing dudes that died.

Bad Left Hook
Camden Chat

"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler

by Scott Christ on Feb 19, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions