Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber has often found himself at the center of a playful controversy over his famous last name, leading many fans to wonder if he shares a familial connection with pop sensation Justin Bieber. This light-hearted speculation has resurfaced during the Blue Jays’ current playoff campaign, although it is a familiar theme throughout Bieber’s Major League Baseball career.
Despite the intriguing speculation, Shane Bieber is not related to the artist Justin Bieber. This mix-up has followed him closely, even prompting humorous instances, like a notable Topps baseball card where he was mistakenly labeled as “Justin.” The confusion over their names led Bieber to wear a jersey displaying “not Justin” on the back, effectively clarifying his identity.
Acquired by the Blue Jays from the Cleveland Guardians earlier this year, Shane Bieber has learned to embrace the lighthearted jokes surrounding his surname. He expressed to reporters that he has been hearing the Bieber surname jokes since his college days. “A lot of people like to make the joke and try to mistake me for him,” he mentioned, humorously addressing the confusion.
Bieber has an impressive resume as an MLB player, highlighted by being a two-time All-Star, a former Cy Young Award winner, and an MVP of the All-Star game. Currently, he is under a two-year, $26 million contract, with earnings nearing $42 million throughout his career.
As the Blue Jays aim to secure a spot in the World Series, Bieber’s contributions on the mound become even more critical. Speaking ahead of Game 7 against the Seattle Mariners, he conveyed the significance of the moment: “It means everything. Culmination of a lot of events to get to this point.” With his determination, Bieber aims to help propel his team to victory.
Should the Blue Jays clinch their place in the World Series, it’s likely the parallels to Justin Bieber will gain even more traction. However, one gets the sense that Shane Bieber is more than equipped to handle this fanfare, embracing the fun spirit of his unique last name while striving for baseball glory in Toronto.