| Steve Bechler | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: November 18, 1979 Medford, Oregon, U.S. | |
| Died: February 17, 2003 (aged 23) Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| September 6, 2002, for the Baltimore Orioles | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 22, 2002, for the Baltimore Orioles | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 0–0 |
| Earned run average | 13.50 |
| Strikeouts | 3 |
| Teams | |
| |
Steven Scott Bechler (November 18, 1979 – February 17, 2003) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles.
After starring for the South Medford High School baseball team, Bechler was selected by the Orioles in the third round of the 1998 MLB draft. Following five seasons in Minor League Baseball, Bechler made his major league debut with the Orioles in 2002.
During spring training in 2003, he died of heat stroke while participating in conditioning drills. A medical examiner found that Bechler's use of the supplement ephedra contributed to his death. Following this revelation, the Food and Drug Administration opened an inquiry, which resulted in the banning of ephedra products in the United States. He and Tom Gastall are the only two Orioles to die while still active players.[1]