Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Shane Bieber has a famous last name which has prompted plenty of fans to wonder if the star is related to musician Justin Bieber. It is one of the more popular trends on Google amid the Blue Jays’ playoff run, but it is nothing new for Bieber (the baseball player, not the singer).
While it would make for an epic story, Bieber is not related to the artist, but the question has followed him throughout his MLB career. In fact, there is an old Topps baseball card of Bieber where the pitcher is mistakenly referred to as “Justin.”
The question is asked so much that Bieber once wore a jersey that said “not Justin” on the back where the player’s name normally is written. Back in July, the Blue Jays traded for Bieber in a deal with the Cleveland Guardians.
The Blue Jays’ X account had a bit of fun by posting a photo of the singer wearing a Toronto jersey.
Here’s what you need to know about the hilarious Bieber connection.
Shane Bieber Talks Confusion on Being Related to Justin Bieber: ‘I’ve Been Hearing It Since College’
Bieber appears to take the confusion in stride despite not being related to the singer. While Bieber may not be winning Grammys, the pitcher has an impressive resume on his own.
Bieber is a 2-time All-Star, former Cy Young winner and MLB All-Star MVP. The pitcher attempts to be light-hearted when it comes to questions about his last name.
“I mean, I’ve been hearing it since college,” Bieber told The Star about being confused with the singer, per Yahoo Sports.
“…A lot of people like to make the joke and try to mistake me for him. So, I thought I’d make it obvious and put it on the back of my jersey to let everyone know I’m not Justin Bieber.”
Blue Jays SP Shane Bieber Is on a 2-Year, $26 Million Contract
Bieber has already earned nearly $42 million during his MLB career, per Spotrac. The pitcher is on a two-year, $26 million contract that is slated to go through 2026.
Like all Blue Jays fans, Bieber would love to be pitching in the World Series. Toronto is just one win away from punching their ticket to the World Series as the Seattle Mariners look to play spoiler.
Shane Bieber on Pitching in Game 7 of Mariners-Blue Jays ALCS Series: ‘It Means Everything’
Taking the mound for Toronto against Seattle in Game 7 is significant for Bieber. The pitcher may be a late addition for Toronto, but he is already making his presence felt.
“It means everything,” Bieber told reporters on October 19, on pitching Game 7. “Culmination of a lot of events to get to this point.
“… It’ll be no different than the other games this series. It’s an opportunity for us to go out there and win.”
If the Blue Jays reach the World Series, confusion on Bieber’s connection to the musician is sure to reach an all-time high. Something tells us that the pitcher would be just fine dealing with Bieber fever for a few more weeks.
Shane Bieber’s Message on Justin Bieber Resurfaces Amid Confusion on Being Related