Scott Kazmir

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kazmir arrived as a highly touted prospect, immediately expected to be the cornerstone of the pitching staff. His time in Tampa Bay coincided with a period where the team was shedding its early struggles and looking toward competitiveness. He brought an intensity that resonated with the fanbase, often delivering electric performances under the dome at Tropicana Field. One of his most defining moments occurred on July 3, 2006, when he threw his first and only complete game shutout, blanking the Boston Red Sox on just two hits while striking out 10. Earlier that month, on June 22, he passed Sandy Koufax to become the 22nd pitcher in MLB history with the most strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher before age 23. In 2007, Kazmir led the American League with 239 strikeouts and set career highs in wins (13), innings pitched (206 2/3), and WAR (5.8). Fans began calling him "Pizza Man" because his frequent high-strikeout games often triggered a Papa John's promotion where fans received free pizza if the staff recorded 10 combined strikeouts.

In Their Own Story

The noise inside Tropicana Field faded to a hush as the count reset in the seventh inning of that July 2006 matchup against Boston. Scott Kazmir wiped sweat from his brow, staring down at the batter who had just entered the box. For six innings, silence had been his only companion on the mound, allowing only two hits while striking out seven batters. The crowd knew what was at stake; one more perfect frame would secure a rare complete-game shutout against a formidable lineup. He gripped the ball, dug in, and delivered with the kind of velocity that made scouts dream. By the ninth inning, he had retired 10 batters on strikes, securing the milestone that saw him join an elite historical list just days prior.

Reader's Guide

Scott Kazmir arrived as a top prospect selected 15th overall by the New York Mets in 2002, not 5th or in 2003. He was traded to Tampa Bay on July 30, 2004, and debuted that August after being promoted from Double-A Montgomery Biscuits, bypassing Triple-A entirely. During his four full seasons with the club, he won at least 10 games each year despite the team losing over 90 games annually. In 2006, Kazmir earned his first All-Star selection and threw a perfect sixth inning in the game before recording his only complete-game shutout against Boston. The following season, he led the AL with 239 strikeouts and posted a 5.8 WAR. He was named AL Pitcher of the Month for May 2008 after going 5–1 with a 1.22 ERA. His tenure ended when he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at the 2009 trade deadline, leaving behind records in strikeouts and games started for the franchise.

Did You Know?

• Kazmir threw five no-hitters in six games during a high school stretch, including four consecutive no-hitters.
• He passed Sandy Koufax to become the 22nd pitcher in MLB history with the most strikeouts by a lefty before age 23.
• Fans nicknamed him 'Pizza Man' because his high strikeout totals often triggered free pizza promotions at Tropicana Field.
• In the 2008 All-Star Game, he pitched a scoreless 15th inning in the longest game ever and was credited with the win.
• He became the all-time Rays strikeout leader on August 22, 2006, by striking out eight Texas Rangers.