http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2003/0217/1510257.html Bechler, 23, dies day after collapsing in heat Associated Press FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Baltimore Orioles pitcher Steve Bechler died Monday morning, less than 24 hours after complaining of dizziness during a workout. Team officials said Bechler was declared dead at 10:10 a.m. ET. Bechler, 23, spent the night in the intensive care unit at Northridge Medical Center. He was pale and feeling lightheaded Sunday while completing his final conditioning run on a back field at Fort Lauderdale Stadium, and he was taken from the complex by ambulance. The initial diagnosis was heat exhaustion and dehydration, but Bechler's condition worsened after he arrived at the hospital. Last season, baseball was stunned by the death of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Darryl Kile. He died in June in a Chicago hotel room from a blockage of arteries leading to the heart. Almost exactly a year before Bechler died, San Diego Padres outfielder Mike Darr was killed in a car crash near the Padres' spring camp in Peoria, Ariz. Darr died on Feb. 15, 2002. Bechler's death came more than 18 months after Minnesota Vikings offensive lineman Korey Stringer collapsed of heatstroke during training camp and died. Stringer's widow has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the team and its doctors. Orioles teammates were updated on Bechler's condition during a clubhouse meeting before taking the field for Monday's workout. They were summoned inside at 10:30 a.m. and told of his death. A day earlier, Orioles manager Mike Hargrove could tell Bechler wasn't feeling well. "He was about 60 percent of the way through it when we noticed that he was a little white-faced," Hargrove said at the time. "He was leaning against a fence between reps, which isn't unusual when guys get tired. We put him on a cart and brought him in, and called the paramedics." Bechler made his major league debut last year, going 0-0 with a 13.50 ERA in three relief appearances. The right-hander was expected to begin this season with the club's new Triple-A affiliate in Ottawa. Bechler was chosen in the third round of the 1998 draft out of South Medford High School in Oregon. He spent most of last season at Triple-A Rochester, going 6-11 with a 4.09 ERA in 24 starts. Called up to the majors late in the year, Hargrove praised him as one of Baltimore's best prospects. Bechler seemed to be in awe as he looked around the spacious clubhouse at Camden Yards for the first time. "Last night when they told me, I couldn't sleep," Bechler said after arriving in Baltimore. "The drive down here seemed forever. It's just overwhelming right now being here, but it probably won't really hit me until I step on the mound." Bechler made his debut Sept. 6 against the Anaheim Angels, giving up one run in two-plus innings. Overall with the Orioles, he allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings.
That is just horrible. One day I feel there will be an answer as why this seems to be happening as frequently as it is. Tragic. RIP Steve
strenuous physical exertion + poor conditioning + not staying properly hydrated... all for an extended period of time.
I would venture to say that in his case, it was extremely poor conditioning. The heat and dehydration, in this case, could not be enough to kill him.
