Scott Kazmir

The left-handed pitcher who won at least 10 games in four seasons for a losing team before leading the league in strikeouts.

Scott Kazmir, born January 24, 1984, is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 15 MLB seasons between 2004 and 2021. Originally drafted 15th overall by the New York Mets in 2002, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on July 30, 2004, a deal frequently cited as one of the most lopsided in recent major league history. Called up directly from Double-A, he made his MLB debut at age 20 in August 2004. Kazmir became a rotation mainstay, winning at least 10 games in each of his four complete seasons with the club despite the team losing at least 90 games per year. He earned his first All-Star selection in 2006 and led the American League with 239 strikeouts in 2007. He remains among Tampa Bay's all-time leaders in strikeouts, ERA, wins, and games started.

Quick Facts

Position: Pitcher
Bats: Left
Born: 24 January 1984
Birthplace: Houston, Texas, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: August 23
Debut year: 2004
Debut team: Tampa Bay Devil Rays

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.

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.
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.