Bubba Chandler takes past experience to mound knowledge

Oct 01, 2024

When it comes to his vast sports background, Bubba Chandler has done a bit of everything.

Chandler, currently a top prospect on the mound, earned the opportunity to hit some as well in professional baseball. He also received a scholarship to Clemson for football while also being an excellent golfer.

However, when it comes to his first sports love, there could be a bit of a surprise.

“I’d say my first love was probably catching,” Chandler said. “Catching was cool, but it’s really tough work. Most of my first baseball memories were behind the plate.”

While he was also pitching at a young age, it was when Chandler realized how strong his arm was that his love changed direction. Then football came along and took some of his attention, but pitching remained in the forefront.

While he hasn’t seen an opportunity in two seasons, and Chandler hit just south of the Mendoza line in his 124 Bradenton plate appearances in 2022, he’s still benefitting from them.

“Kudos to the Pirates for letting me do that because I think, not knowing then, I learned a lot to transition to the pitching side,” Chandler said.

With his experience, Chandler will never criticize a hitter for failing. However, he will glean upon his past failures in pushing his current success.

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“Hitting is really hard,” Chandler said. “It’s one of the hardest things, if not the hardest thing, to do in all of sports. When I watch a guy take at bats, I can see and relate to what I was struggling with when I was hitting. Then I can look at the pitches and locations that were getting me out. It’s very helpful.”

While Chandler made many drool early on his two-way potential, the Pirates chose the right time to make him solely focused. Now his vision is set on his big league debut, likely next summer.

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