Getting to Know Shane Baz: The Baseball Star with a Sweet Tooth
TAMPA — There are certain things that Shane Baz gets really pumped about: hunting, fishing, his Doberman named Gator, and the custom hats he made to playfully promote his dad’s landscaping business.
Recently, however, his excitement has been focused on candy. Baz has turned a nearby locker into a stash filled with various boxes and bags of sweets to satisfy his cravings and boost morale among his Rays teammates.
His go-to treat? Caramello, a chocolate square loaded with creamy caramel, which he calls “a very slept-on candy.” When he talks about it, you can see how much he enjoys having some sugar on hand to share.
“I just love having candy around. Sometimes a little pick-me-up can make a difference, and it definitely puts everyone in a better mood,” Baz shared. “I even set out a suggestion box, and wow, it’s become quite the candy exchange!”
Off the field, Baz’s low-key demeanor continues on the mound. His chill and collected style, combined with a smooth delivery, have made for a strong start to the season.
“Baz puts on this little south Texan front, but ‘nonchalant’ fits him best. He’s never too high or too low,” noted fellow pitcher Zack Littell.
Teammate Mason Montgomery echoed this, saying, “What you see is what you get. He’s as calm as you can get out there.”
“He’s steady Eddie,” fellow starter Drew Rasmussen added. “You wouldn’t think a guy throwing a 100-mph fastball would be so relaxed. But then you see the radar gun and think, ‘Wow, that’s insane!’”
At just 25, Baz’s journey has had its ups and downs. He was a first-round pick by the Pirates in 2017 and traded to the Rays a year later. He made his major league debut at 22, even starting a playoff game. But elbow troubles led to Tommy John surgery, keeping him off the field in 2023.
This season, with a record of 3-0 and a 2.45 ERA, he’s back to dominating on the mound. His preparation has included refining his mechanics and focusing on command.
“The key to my successful outings is minimizing walks,” Baz pointed out. “It shows I’m attacking hitters and keeping them on their toes.”
In tweaking his pitching arsenal, Baz has become more confident in using his curveball and changeup alongside his fastball. This strategy has proven beneficial, especially as his curveball has notably improved.
“It’s about figuring out the release points and being able to throw it for a strike in various scenarios,” he explained.
His manager, Kevin Cash, emphasized the importance of confidence in Baz’s performance this season, especially with his variety of pitches.
Though his walk rate hasn’t dropped significantly, he has increased his strikeout rate and improved groundball and line drive metrics—showing substantial growth since his debut.
“When I first made it to the majors, I thought I knew everything about pitching, but I was just starting out,” he reflected. “Now, I’m more complete in my command and strategy.”
Baz’s impressive early-season performance hasn’t gone unnoticed. Even so, he remains focused on the game, not the accolades.
“Numbers don’t matter much to me,” Baz stated. “I just want to excel in my role without the need for extra attention.”
But a stash of Caramellos? That would definitely hit the spot.
Conclusion
Shane Baz is more than just an emerging baseball talent; he’s a cool, collected athlete with candy-filled locker vibes. His off-field sweetness seems to reflect in his game as he navigates the ups and downs of a professional athlete’s career.
FAQs
What made Shane Baz a first-round pick?
Shane Baz’s electric fastball and overall pitching potential caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection in the first round by the Pirates.
How has Baz improved since his major league debut?
He’s enhanced his command, diversified his pitching repertoire, and is now more focused on game strategy, resulting in better overall performance.
What are Shane Baz’s favorite candies?
His top pick is Caramello, but he also enjoys seasonal treats like Reese’s peanut butter eggs.
