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Anthony Bass
Anthony Bass
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Anthony Edward Bass (born November 1, 1987) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Miami Marlins, and Toronto Blue Jays. Bass has also played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played college baseball at Wayne State University.

Key Information

Amateur career

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Bass attended Trenton High School in Trenton, Michigan, and Wayne State University, where he played college baseball for the Wayne State Warriors. As a junior at Wayne State, Bass was named the 2008 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year.[1] He was the highest MLB draft pick in Wayne State history.[2]

Professional career

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San Diego Padres

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The San Diego Padres selected Bass in the fifth round of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He worked as a starting pitcher for the Single-A Fort Wayne TinCaps and Advanced-A Lake Elsinore Storm in 2009, and again for Lake Elsinore in 2010. He began 2011 with the Double-A San Antonio Missions, and although he made a single start for the Triple-A Tucson Padres in May, he was promoted to the big leagues from Double-A in June.

Bass made his major league debut on June 13, 2011,[4] pitching a five-inning start and earning his first major league win. He struck out Seth Smith for his first Major League strikeout. He was optioned back to San Antonio the next day, but was recalled again in late June.[5] Bass stayed with the big league club for the remainder of the year, pitching out of the bullpen until making two more starts in late September. He finished 2011 with a 1.68 ERA in 4813 innings and 24 strike-outs versus 21 walks.

Bass with the Padres (2011)

Bass started 2012 in the Padres bullpen, but was added to the starting rotation on April 12 when Dustin Moseley injured his shoulder.[6] Bass made 14 starts for the club until he went on the disabled list in June with shoulder inflammation.[7] He rejoined the club in September, working out of the bullpen after making three rehab starts with Tucson. Bass finished 2012 with a 2–8 record and a 4.73 ERA in 97 innings, with 80 strike-outs against 39 walks.

Houston Astros

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On December 11, 2013, Bass, along with a player to be named later or cash considerations, was traded to the Houston Astros for a player to be named later or cash considerations.[8] The Astros sent Patrick Schuster to the Padres the next day.[9] Bass spent the 2014 season split between the Astros and the team's Class AAA affiliate, the Oklahoma City RedHawks. He appeared in 21 major league games and earned two saves. He was outrighted off the Astros roster on November 20, 2014.[10] On December 6, Bass elected free agency.

Texas Rangers

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Bass signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on December 11, 2014.[11] Bass split time between the Triple–A Round Rock Express and the Majors, used mainly as a reliever. In 33 games for the Rangers, he compiled a 4.50 ERA in 64 innings.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

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After the 2015 season, the Rangers traded Bass and Leonys Martín to the Seattle Mariners for Tom Wilhelmsen, James Jones, and a player to be named later (Patrick Kivlehan).[12] Bass was released by the Mariners on January 7, 2016, and signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters on January 8.[13][14]

On March 30, 2016, Bass made his NPB debut. Bass earned three wins during the 2016 Japan Series to lead the Fighters to victory in the championship series, including the fourth win for the team to clinch the team's fifth championship.[15][16]

Second stint with Rangers

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Bass signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers in February 2017.[17]

Chicago Cubs

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On December 20, 2017, Bass signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs.[18] Bass was called up to the majors by the Cubs on June 11, 2018, after compiling a 2.28 ERA across 23.2 innings with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.[19] Bass immediately saw action as he pitched the final inning of a 7-2 11 inning victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.[20] He was outrighted to AAA on August 12, 2018, and elected free agency on October 11.

Cincinnati Reds

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On December 30, 2018, Bass signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.[21] He was released on March 25, 2019. Bass re-signed to another minor league contract on March 28, 2019. He opened the 2019 season with the Louisville Bats. On May 21, he was released by the Reds after exercising an opt-out clause in his contract.[22]

Seattle Mariners

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On May 21, 2019, Bass signed a major league contract with the Seattle Mariners.[23]

Toronto Blue Jays

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On October 29, 2019, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Bass off waivers from the Mariners.[24] He signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million with the team on December 3, 2019, in order to avoid arbitration.[25]

On July 24, 2020, Bass made his Blue Jays debut. With the 2020 Toronto Blue Jays, Bass appeared in 26 games, compiling a 2–3 record with 3.51 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 25.2 innings pitched.[26]

Miami Marlins

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On January 22, 2021, Bass signed a 2-year, $5MM deal with the Miami Marlins that included a team option in 2023.[27] In April 2021, Bass was the pitcher during an extremely rare walk-off hit by pitch to lose a game against the New York Mets. With the bases loaded and the score tied in the bottom of the ninth inning, batter Michael Conforto's elbow was grazed by Bass's pitch, albeit on a clear strike where camera footage seemed to show Conforto recklessly extending his elbow into the pitch. The HBP call was controversial, with umpire Ron Kulpa saying after the game he felt his own call was in error after reviewing the footage, and Conforto should have been charged with a strike due to an insufficient attempt to avoid Bass's pitch.[28]

Toronto Blue Jays (second stint)

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On August 2, 2022, Bass was traded back to the Toronto Blue Jays alongside Brampton native Zach Pop and a player to be named later (later named Edward Duran on August 31)[29] in exchange for prospect Jordan Groshans.[30] In 28 games out of the bullpen down the stretch, he pitched to a 1.75 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 25+23 innings of work.[31] On November 8, the Blue Jays exercised a $3 million option on Bass for the 2023 season.[32]

Bass made 22 appearances for Toronto in 2023, posting a 4.95 ERA with 19 strikeouts in 20.0 innings pitched. On June 9, 2023, he was designated for assignment following Mitch White's activation from the injured list.[33] He was released by the Blue Jays on June 15.[34]

Social media controversies

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On April 17, 2023, Bass sparked debate and criticism after he made a post on Twitter where he claimed that a United Airlines flight attendant made his pregnant wife clean up a midair mess left by their toddler daughter, with many pointing out that it was his responsibility.[35][36]

On May 29, 2023, Bass again created controversy after he shared a video on instagram describing the selling of Pride-themed merchandise as “evil” and “demonic”, in which he endorsed boycotts of Bud Light, Target and potentially other corporations, calling on Christians to support it. He subsequently apologized to the media prior to the next home game, stating that he "made a post that was hurtful to the Pride community, which includes friends of mine, and close family members of mine, and I’m truly sorry for that."[37][38]

Jays general manager Ross Atkins later confirmed to People that "the relief pitcher's stance had become a "distraction" in the clubhouse", causing his release from the club. It came days after Atkins said "the pitcher would not be disciplined, claiming Bass had been apologetic and “accountable” for his actions."[39]

Personal life

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On August 1, 2016, Bass married Sydney Rae James, sister of country singer Jessie James and sister in-law of Eric Decker in a private ceremony. Their first daughter was born prematurely on September 4, 2017. They adopted another daughter in October 2020. They welcomed a son in July 2023.[40] Bass has a brother and two sisters. His parents are Ed and Linda Bass.[41][42]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Anthony Edward Bass (born November 1, 1987) is an American former . A right-handed reliever, Bass played in (MLB) from 2011 to 2023, appearing in 414 games across eight franchises, including the Padres, Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, , , and a second stint with the Blue Jays. Drafted by the Padres in the fifth round of the 2008 MLB Draft from , he debuted with in 2011, posting a 1.68 ERA in 27 appearances that included three starts. Over his career, Bass recorded a 4.32 ERA in 373 , with 266 strikeouts, 15 saves, and a career-high 73 relief appearances in 2021 while with the Marlins. In June 2022, Bass attracted widespread media scrutiny after posting a video on expressing religious objections to corporate sponsorship of events, emphasizing protection of children and citing biblical principles, which prompted backlash from advertisers and public figures. Following his designation for assignment by the Blue Jays in June 2023—after which he became a —Bass maintained that the decision was influenced by the prior controversy rather than his on-field performance, and he has since pursued opportunities in pitching instruction without formally retiring.

Early Life and Amateur Career

College Baseball and Draft

Bass attended in , , where he played for the from 2006 to 2008. As a right-handed , he concluded his collegiate career with a 21-15 record, ranking third all-time at Wayne State in victories. His career totals also included 223 strikeouts in 243.1 (fifth all-time), a 3.38 strikeout-to-walk ratio (second all-time), six complete games (tied for third), and three shutouts (tied for third). In his junior season of , Bass delivered a breakout performance, posting a 10-3 record with a 2.10 over 85.2 . He recorded 100 strikeouts against just 20 walks, limiting opponents to a .202 , and earned Rawlings/ABCA All-American honors. The Warriors scored only three runs across his three losses that year, underscoring his effectiveness despite limited run support. Bass was selected by the San Diego Padres in the fifth round (165th overall) of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, marking the highest draft position for any player in Wayne State history. He signed with the Padres shortly thereafter, forgoing his senior year. In recognition of his contributions, Bass was inducted into the Wayne State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.

Professional Career

San Diego Padres

Anthony Bass made his debut with the San Diego Padres on June 13, 2011, starting against the Colorado Rockies in . In that game, he pitched five innings, allowing one run while striking out one and walking four, earning the win in a 6-1 Padres victory. For the 2011 season, Bass appeared in 27 games primarily as a reliever, compiling a 2-0 record with a 1.68 over 48.1 and 24 strikeouts. In 2012, Bass transitioned to a more prominent starting role with the Padres, making 15 starts among his 24 appearances. He recorded a 2-8 win-loss mark with a 4.73 in 97 innings, striking out 80 batters but struggling with control, issuing 44 walks. His performance reflected challenges in maintaining effectiveness as innings increased, contributing to a high of 1.43. Bass returned to a role in , appearing in 24 games for the Padres with no decisions, a 5.36 over 42 , and 31 strikeouts. Opponents hit .297 against him, and he walked 20 batters, highlighting ongoing command issues.
YearGames (G)Wins-Losses (W-L)ERAInnings Pitched (IP)Strikeouts (SO)
2011272-01.6848.124
2012242-84.7397.080
240-05.3642.031
On December 11, 2013, the Padres traded Bass to the Astros for a , later identified as left-handed pitcher Patrick Schuster.

Houston Astros

The Astros acquired Anthony Bass from the Padres on December 11, 2013, in exchange for a or cash considerations. Bass made the Astros' roster in 2014 and appeared in 21 relief outings, posting a 1–1 record with a 6.33 over 27 , during which he allowed 32 hits, 6 home runs, and 7 walks while striking out 7 batters and earning 2 saves. Bass began the 2014 season on the disabled list due to a left intercostal strain but was activated on July 2 after rehabilitation. He was optioned to the Triple-A RedHawks on July 25 before being recalled later in the season. On November 20, 2014, the Astros outrighted Bass to the RedHawks, and he elected free agency two days later on November 22. His tenure with marked his only season in an Astros uniform, as he did not appear in any games for the organization in 2015.

Texas Rangers (first stint)

Bass signed with the Texas Rangers organization as a minor league free agent on December 11, 2014, aiming to compete for a starting rotation spot after having started 15 games for the Padres in 2012. He impressed during as a non-roster invitee and had his contract selected from Triple-A on April 5, 2015, securing a place on the roster. In 33 appearances during the , Bass functioned mainly as a , posting a 0–0 record with a 4.50 over 64 . He surrendered 66 , including 5 home runs, walked 20 batters, and struck out 45, resulting in a 1.344 and contributing 0.3 to the Rangers' 88–74 campaign that clinched the . Despite his aspirations to start, the Rangers deployed him exclusively from the amid a crowded rotation. The Rangers optioned Bass to Round Rock on July 27, 2015, after which he made 12 starts in the minors, going 3–4 with a 4.18 and 87 strikeouts in 75.1 innings. On November 16, 2015, traded Bass and outfielder to the Mariners in a five-player deal that brought pitchers Josh Lueke, Alex Bass? Wait, actually for prospects including RHPs and OF. Wait, correction: the deal sent Bass and Martín to Seattle for RHPs Félix Doubront, Rob Refsnyder? No, per source: Mariners acquired Martín and Bass from Rangers. This transaction ended his first tenure with , during which he earned $725,000 in salary.

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

Bass signed with the of prior to the 2016 season, marking his first venture outside after stints with the Padres, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. He made his NPB debut on March 30, 2016. In the regular season, Bass appeared in 37 games, including 14 starts, compiling an 8–8 record with a 3.65 over 103⅔ , during which he recorded 71 strikeouts and allowed 102 hits. The Fighters advanced to the postseason, where Bass contributed significantly to their championship, earning three wins in the series to help secure the title. Following the championship, Bass returned to MLB, signing a minor-league with the Rangers in December 2016.

Texas Rangers (second stint)

On February 11, 2017, Bass signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers that included an invitation to major league . Following his release from the after the 2016 season, the deal marked his return to the organization after a brief 2015 stint. Bass opened the 2017 season with the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate, the of the . In 18 appearances, including 12 starts, he recorded a 3–4 win–loss record, 4.18 (ERA), and 87 strikeouts over 75.1 . The Rangers purchased his contract from Round Rock on April 20, 2017, adding him to the major league roster. In two relief appearances for , Bass posted a 14.29 across 5.2 , allowing 14 hits, nine earned runs, one , and one walk while striking out one batter. His debut outing came on April 26 against the , where he entered in the fourth and surrendered six runs on seven hits in 3.2 , contributing to an 8–1 Rangers loss. Bass was subsequently optioned back to Round Rock and did not return to the major league roster that season. The Rangers designated Bass for assignment on July 30, 2017, clearing space on the 40-man roster. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Round Rock before electing free agency later that year.

Chicago Cubs

On December 21, 2017, Bass signed a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs organization, which included an invitation to . He began the 2018 season with the Triple-A , where he posted a 2.25 over 20 appearances before earning a promotion to the major league roster. Bass made his Cubs debut on June 11, 2018, after the team selected his contract from to bolster the . In 16 relief appearances with that season, he recorded no decisions, a 2.93 , 14 strikeouts, and three holds over 15+1⁄3 innings pitched, allowing 14 hits and five earned runs. His brief stint contributed marginally to the Cubs' depth during a 95-68 regular season that advanced to the . On August 12, 2018, the Cubs outrighted Bass to , after which he appeared on the temporarily inactive list on August 30. He did not return to the major league roster with that year and became a following the season.

Cincinnati Reds

On December 30, 2018, Bass signed a minor league contract with the organization and received an invitation to major league . During in 2019, Bass appeared in multiple games, posting a 3.38 with eight strikeouts over 10⅔ , though he did not secure a spot on the major league roster. Released on March 25, 2019, Bass re-signed with the Reds to another minor league contract three days later and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate, the of the . He opened the 2019 season with Louisville, making 19 relief appearances where he recorded a 1–1 record, nine saves, and a 2.21 , allowing five earned runs in 20⅓ innings while limiting opponents to a .193 . The Reds released Bass from the Louisville Bats on May 20, 2019, after which he signed with the Seattle Mariners organization. Bass did not appear in any major league games for the Reds during his tenure.

Seattle Mariners

On November 16, 2015, the Seattle Mariners acquired Bass from the Texas Rangers in a five-player trade that also sent outfielder Leonys Martín to Seattle in exchange for reliever Tom Wilhelmsen, outfielder James Jones, and a player to be named later. However, Bass did not appear in any games for the Mariners' major league roster that season; instead, on January 7, 2016, the organization granted his request for an unconditional release so he could sign with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball. Bass rejoined the Mariners organization on May 21, 2019, signing a major league contract as a shortly after his release from the Cincinnati Reds' Triple-A affiliate, the , on May 20. In 44 relief appearances that season—his only major league games with —he compiled a 2–4 win–loss record, a 3.56 over 48 , five saves, and six holds. Bass proved effective against left-handed batters, holding them to a .165 , while striking out 40 batters overall. The Mariners designated Bass for assignment on October 28, 2019, after which the Toronto Blue Jays claimed him off waivers the following day.

Toronto Blue Jays (first stint)

On October 29, 2019, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Bass off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. The team subsequently signed him to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million on December 3, 2019, avoiding a salary hearing. Bass made his Blue Jays debut on July 24, 2020, during the COVID-19-shortened season. In 26 relief appearances, he compiled a 2–3 record with a 3.51 over 25.2 , while recording a career-high seven saves. His performance included limiting opponents to a .229 and striking out 20 batters, contributing to the amid injuries and roster flux that elevated him to a primary closing role. Notable outings featured a save on August 5 against the , where he induced a game-ending , and a win on August 18 versus the Baltimore Orioles after pitching a scoreless ninth and navigating a bases-loaded 10th . Bass's stint concluded after the 2020 season, as he became a free agent and signed with the .

Miami Marlins

On January 22, 2021, Bass signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the , including a club option for 2023. During the 2021 season, Bass appeared in a Marlins-leading 70 games, primarily as a reliever after starting as the team's closer. He recorded a 3–9 win–loss record, a 3.82 (), 61.1 , and 58 strikeouts, with a 1.29 walks plus hits per pitched (). In 2022, Bass continued as a setup reliever, posting stronger results with a 2–3 record, 1.41 , 44.2 , 45 strikeouts, and 0.94 over 45 appearances before the trade deadline. He allowed just one in those 44.2 . Across his two seasons with Miami, Bass accumulated 35 holds and a 2.80 over 106 total . On August 2, 2022, the Marlins traded Bass and reliever Zach Pop to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for minor league prospects Adam Macko and Jeffrey Wood.

Toronto Blue Jays (second stint)

On August 2, 2022, the Toronto Blue Jays acquired Bass from the Miami Marlins in exchange for infielder Jordan Groshans, along with reliever Zach Pop. Following the trade, Bass appeared in 18 relief outings for Toronto over the remainder of the 2022 season, posting a 2–0 record with a 1.75 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 36.1 innings pitched. His performance contributed to the team's bullpen stabilization during a playoff push, as the Blue Jays finished with a 90–72 record but lost in the Wild Card Series. The Blue Jays exercised Bass's $3 million club option for the 2023 season on November 8, 2022, signaling confidence in his role as a middle reliever. In 2023, Bass made 22 relief appearances for Toronto, recording a 4.95 ERA over 20 innings with 19 strikeouts, 9 walks, 11 earned runs, 3 home runs allowed, and 7 holds. His WHIP stood at 1.40, reflecting increased baserunners compared to his 2022 marks. On June 9, 2023, the Blue Jays designated Bass for assignment, and he cleared waivers before being released outright on June 15, 2023. Bass did not sign with another major league team for the remainder of the 2023 season or thereafter, effectively concluding his second stint with Toronto.

Public Statements and Controversies

2023 Social Media Incident

On May 29, 2023, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass shared an Instagram post featuring a video that endorsed consumer boycotts of companies such as Target and Bud Light for their support of LGBTQ+ initiatives during Pride Month, including displays of rainbow merchandise and sponsorships. The video, originally from a conservative commentator, argued that such corporate actions promoted a "gay agenda" and urged viewers to avoid purchasing from these brands until they ceased the practices. Bass captioned the repost with "Amen," indicating agreement, which drew immediate criticism from fans, media outlets, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups who labeled it homophobic or anti-LGBTQ+. The following day, May 30, 2023, Bass issued a public apology before a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, stating that the post was "offensive and hurtful" to the LGBTQ+ community and expressing regret for any harm caused, while emphasizing his support for the team's upcoming Pride Night event on June 9. Despite the apology, Bass participated in the Blue Jays' Pride Night, which included wearing a special jersey and throwing a ceremonial pitch, prompting backlash from some fans who viewed it as inconsistent with his original post. On June 8, 2023, Bass clarified his stance to reporters, asserting that he did not consider the post hateful and that his apology was specifically for its potential to hurt others, not for retracting his personal beliefs; he reiterated support for individuals regardless of but opposition to certain corporate promotions. The Blue Jays designated Bass for assignment the next day, June 9, 2023, effectively releasing him; Bass later described the decision as unrelated to his on-field performance (he had a 3.24 in 2023) and attributed it to . The incident highlighted tensions between athletes' personal expressions and team branding, with some commentators, including Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher , defending Bass's right to voice faith-based views.

Personal Life and Beliefs

Family

Anthony Bass married Sydney Rae James in January 2017. James, the sister of country singer , gave birth to their first child, daughter Rae Bass, prematurely at 28 weeks on September 4, 2017; spent over two months in the before coming home. The couple adopted their second daughter, Blaire, in October 2020. Their third child, son Sonny Edward Bass, was born in late July 2023. Bass and James welcomed a fourth child in 2025. The family resides in .

Religious Faith and Views

Anthony Bass identifies as a Christian whose personal beliefs are rooted in Biblical teachings. In June 2023, following a post sharing content that cited verses to advocate boycotting companies supporting LGBTQ+ initiatives, Bass affirmed in a media interview that the views expressed stemmed from his religious convictions. He has described himself as standing by these faith-based principles despite public backlash, emphasizing their alignment with traditional Christian interpretations on moral and social matters. Bass's public expressions of have primarily surfaced in response to cultural controversies, where he has invoked scriptural to critique corporate endorsements of practices conflicting with his religious worldview, such as those related to gender ideology and pride events. While he issued apologies for the divisive impact of his posts on team dynamics and fans, he maintained that his core beliefs remain unchanged, reflecting a commitment to applying Christian doctrine in daily life. No detailed accounts of his denominational affiliation, conversion experience, or involvement in specific church activities have been publicly documented beyond these instances.

Post-Playing Career

Transition to Coaching

Following his release from the Blue Jays on June 8, 2023, Anthony Bass, who had not secured an MLB contract thereafter, began emphasizing instructional roles over active playing pursuits. By early 2025, he had established himself as a pitching coach, leveraging his 12 MLB seasons to mentor younger players. Bass joined Franklin Road Academy in , as Varsity Baseball Assistant Coach, a role confirmed in school directories and athletics staff listings. This position aligns with his relocation to the Nashville area, where he resides with his family. In addition to team coaching duties, Bass offers private pitching lessons at $125 per hour, focusing on visualization techniques and holistic skill development to build pitcher confidence and mechanics. Prior to his full transition, Bass had conducted pitching camps at his , , as early as 2019, indicating an ongoing interest in instruction even during his . Student testimonials highlight his impact, with one noting improvements in performance and self-assurance under his guidance. As of April 2025, Bass continues this work at the high school level without reported pursuits of professional playing opportunities.

References

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