link (http://sports.sympatico.msn.cbc.ca/Home/ContentPosting.aspx?feedname=CBC-SPORTS-V2&newsitemid=puckett060306&showbyline=True)

Even if he had significant character flaws, he was a fun player to watch. Furthermore, dying that young is always tragic, no matter who you are. Really surprising given that he was a pro athlete. :(

[How can you just throw a link that long in? Sheesh! -Tal]

[ March 07, 2006, 18:30: Message edited by: Taluntain ]

Yeah it sure is Beren he was one of the players I always remember when I first started getting into baseball in the late 80's, may he find the light.

Tragic indeed.

Really surprising given that he was a pro athlete. Not surprising if he used steroids. I think we'll see a lot of athletes dying young for a while.

The steroid issue is interesting. However, the most common cause of death from overuse of steroids is heart failure. He had a stroke. The more pertinent question may be, "Why would an otherwise healthy 45 year old man have a stroke in the first place?"

From drugabuse.gov:

Major side effects [of steriod use] can include liver tumors and cancer, jaundice, high blood pressure, kidney tumors, severe acne, and trembling. In males, side effects may include shrinking of the testicles and breast development. In females, side effects may include growth of facial hair, menstrual changes, and deepened voice. In teenagers, growth may be halted prematurely and permanently. High blood pressure is a major factor in stroke. Although the shrinking of the testicles thing is enough for me to stay away.

Also, from theantidrug.com:

Irreversible side-effects. Steroid users are vulnerable to more than 70 physical and psychological side effects, many of which are irreversible. Steroid use most seriously injures the liver and cardiovascular and reproductive systems. In males, steroids can cause withered testicles, sterility, and hair loss. In females, steroids can lead to irreversible masculine traits such as breast reduction. Psychological effects in both sexes can include depression and an increase in aggressive behavior.

Long-term problems. While some side effects appear quickly, other potential health effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, may not occur for years. Steroid abuse in young adults can interfere with bone growth and lead to permanently stunted growth. People who inject steroids also risk contracting HIV and other blood-borne diseases from infected needles.