Scot Shields is a former American professional baseball player who played as a relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He was born on July 22, 1975, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and attended Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Florida. Shields was drafted by the Angels in the 38th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft and made his debut in 2001.
Shields was known for his versatility as a pitcher, as he could pitch in a variety of roles, including as a setup man, closer, and long reliever. He was also known for his durability, as he appeared in at least 70 games in six consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2009.
During his career, Shields had a record of 46-44 with a 3.18 ERA and 695 strikeouts in 697 innings pitched. He was a key member of the Angels' bullpen during their 2002 World Series championship season, as he appeared in six games and did not allow a run in 7.1 innings pitched.
Shields was also named to the American League All-Star team in 2005, where he pitched a scoreless inning in the game. He finished the season with a 10-11 record, a 2.75 ERA, and 91 strikeouts in 87.2 innings pitched.
In 2006, Shields had another strong season, as he went 6-8 with a 2.87 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 87 innings pitched. He also recorded his first career save that season.
Shields continued to be a reliable member of the Angels' bullpen for several more seasons, but his performance began to decline in 2010. He finished the season with a 2-3 record and a 5.28 ERA in 43 appearances.
After the 2010 season, Shields became a free agent and was not signed by any team. He officially announced his retirement from baseball in 2012.
Overall, Shields had a successful career as a relief pitcher, as he was a key member of the Angels' bullpen during their championship season and was named to the All-Star team in 2005. He was known for his versatility, durability, and consistency, and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
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