Shane Baz Bio
Shane Austin Baz is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Tampa Bay Rays. Born on June 17, 1999, Baz started his career after being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017. He has had a notable journey, facing injuries but showing promise as a player. Baz represented the United States at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, contributing to the team’s silver medal win.
Early Life and Background
Shane Baz was born to a Lebanese father, Raja, and an American mother, Tammy. His father was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and played soccer in his native country before moving to the United States at the age of 15. Growing up in Texas, Baz was exposed to sports early on, which laid the foundation for his future in baseball. He attended Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, where he began to excel in baseball, showcasing his talent on the field.
Path to Baseball
During his high school career, Shane Baz had an impressive performance as a junior, posting a 1.06 earned run average (ERA) with 46 strikeouts over 23 innings. His skills earned him a spot on the United States national team in 2016. After high school, Baz committed to play college baseball at Texas Christian University (TCU). He was considered one of the top prospects for the 2017 Major League Baseball draft, leading to his selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 12th overall pick.
Shane Baz Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Shane Baz began his professional career with the Gulf Coast League Pirates in 2017, where he posted an 0–3 record with a 3.80 ERA in 23+2⁄3 innings pitched. His performance earned him recognition as Pittsburgh’s third-best prospect heading into the 2018 season. He pitched for the Bristol Pirates of the Rookie-level Appalachian League, where he continued to develop his skills on the mound.
Breakthrough (2021)
On August 14, 2018, Baz was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a trade that sent Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows to the Rays. He made his MLB debut on September 20, 2021, against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he threw five innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out five batters. During his rookie season, he made three starts for the Rays, achieving a 2-0 record and a 2.03 ERA with 18 strikeouts across 13+1⁄3 innings pitched. Baz also made his postseason debut in the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox.
Notable Works and Milestones
Shane Baz’s signature work includes his impressive rookie season with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he quickly established himself as a promising pitcher. Despite facing injuries, he has shown resilience and determination to return to the field.
Shane Baz Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Shane Baz has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his time in the minor leagues and his early MLB career.
Shane Baz Awards Won
Shane Baz has achieved notable milestones in his career, including representing the United States at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the team won a silver medal. His contributions to the team highlighted his potential on an international stage.
Shane Baz Family
Shane Baz was born to Raja and Tammy Baz, who have supported his journey in baseball from a young age. His father’s background in sports has likely influenced Baz’s athletic pursuits.
Personal Life
Shane Baz maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career in baseball. As of now, there are no publicly available details regarding his marital status or children.