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Steve Bechler

Steve Bechler
Pitcher
Born: (1979-11-18)November 18, 1979
Medford, Oregon
Died: February 17, 2003(2003-02-17) (aged 23)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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 player. A pitcher, Bechler played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Baltimore Orioles.

After starring for the South Medford High School baseball team, the Orioles selected Bechler 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. Attending spring training in 2003, he died of heat stroke while participating in conditioning drills.

A medical examiner found that Bechler's use of ephedra as a weight-loss supplement 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.

Bechler was born on November 18, 1979, in Medford, Oregon, to Ernest and Patricia Bechler. He had three brothers. At the age of seven, he began playing baseball. As a youth, he competed in the Medford American Little League, Babe Ruth League, and American Legion Baseball. He was a member of the 1997 American Legion World Series champions. Bechler suffered from asthma as a child, and endured heatstrokes while in high school.

Bechler attended South Medford High School in Medford, Oregon. He graduated in 1998. Playing for the school's baseball team, he was named to the All-Oregon third team in his senior year.


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