On February 16, 2003, towards the beginning of Orioles' spring training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Steve Bechler collapsed while participating in conditioning drills. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, and died the next day.[4] His body temperature had reached 108 °F (42 °C).[5] An autopsy performed by Dr. Joshua Perper, a toxicologist, concluded that his death was caused by "'abnormal liver function and mild hypertension', his weight problem (he weighed 230 pounds and was exercising hard[6]), the fact that he was not used to south Florida's warm weather and the toxicity of ephedra.[7] He was using the supplement ephedra, against the advice of his trainer,[8] and probably had not eaten in two days[9] in an effort to lose weight.
June 3, 2003: Nick Markakis was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1st round (7th pick) of the 2003 amateur draft. Player signed June 11, 2003.[10]
July 25, 2003: Sean Spencer was signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles.[11]