Behind the Biscuits: Jeff Belge
Biscuits Baseball
Biscuits pitcher Jeff Belge’s journey to play professional baseball has not been an easy one, in fact most people would’ve considered what he has accomplished to be somewhat impossible. When Belge was just eleven years old he lost nearly all sight in right eye after being hit in the eye with a rock. And thanks to the support of his family and coaches, Belge kept playing the sport he loved.
“It was a long process trying to, so I was obviously in little league so one of my little league coaches who I’m very thankful for would stay after practice with me and he would hit tennis balls at me actually so I wouldn’t have to worry about getting hit with actual baseball or something and I think that helped me a lot trying to get used to the depth perception and everything like that comes with it,” says Belge.
Belge played college baseball at St. John’s in New York City, then in 2019 was drafted in the 18th round as the 551st pick to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then in 2022 Belge was traded and became a part of the Rays Organization. In 2023 Belge was with the Biscuits and is now back in 2024.
“It’s cool actually so I remember growing up and playing video games and stuff like MLB The Show and stuff and seeing the Biscuits. They obviously have like a very unique logo and everything so I think it’s very cool to be able to play for them and yeah it’s been awesome,” says Belge.
And while Belge’s vision of the major leagues is still crystal clear, he never misses a moment to appreciate the journey.
“It’s kind of been very up and down for me, but it’s kind of how life is you know that’s like what baseball is. It’s basically a different way of looking at life like it gives you a lot of the same lessons and yeah I’m very thankful for the time that I’ve had in the minor leagues and blessed to be where I am today,” says Belge.
