Steve Bechler: Baltimore Orioles Pitcher Dies at 23

Steve Bechler was an American baseball pitcher in the Baltimore Orioles organization. Born on November 18, 1979, in Medford, Oregon, he was drafted by the Orioles in the third round of the 1998 draft.

He spent five seasons in the minor leagues and made his major league debut on September 6, 2002. He was a Carolina League All-Star in 2001. He married Kiley Nixon in October 2002.

Bechler collapsed during a spring-training workout in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and died on February 17, 2003, at age 23, of multiple organ failure and heatstroke. The medical examiner cited his use of the supplement ephedra among the factors. His daughter, Hallie, was born two months later. His death helped lead to the FDA ban on ephedra products in the United States.

Achievements: Baltimore Orioles pitcher, 2001 Carolina League All-Star.

Birth: November 18, 1979 - Medford, Oregon.

Profession: Baseball pitcher.

Interesting Facts: He is one of two Orioles to die while an active player.