Ty Baker

Many of you may already know, but @LantzWheeler has been one of my best friends for the past 15 years and we lost him earlier this week after he suffered cardiac arrest last Saturday at the young age of 52. I've tried to start writing a memorial post many times but just haven't been able to find the words. (which is rare for me!) I didn't want to be the "first to report the news," rather I wanted to collect my thoughts and gain some clarity on everything that's happened. Lantz wasn't a "social media friend" who I only interacted with through likes, comments, and retweets...he's been a real-life best friend to me. We loved working together because we have similar businesses and learned a lot from each other. His business was built around pitching, and mine around catching, but we did verysimilar things. Lantz started Pitch-a-Palooza...I have CatcherCON. Lantz had Core Velocity Belt camps...I have Elite Throwing Camps. Lantz developed the Core Velocity Belt...I developed the Catcher's Thumb (among other things). But we didn't just have a working relationship, we had the type of relationship that brothers have. Lantz and his wife, Mandy, were the first people I told that I was going to propose to Tina...I remember, like it was yesterday, the three of us at their house in Nashville and telling them that I just bought an engagement ring. I also remember them both being ecstatic for us. And, of course, he was a groomsman in my wedding...that's how close he and I were. On the most special day of my life he was standing right beside me. It's only been 3 days since he passed, but it feels like a different world without him. I miss my friend. I wish more people had the opportunity to know him like I know him. He was one of the most unique people I've ever met and he had a savant-like ability to think outside the box. He was also HILARIOUS! If you spent any time around Lantz you know that he would have the whole room rolling on the floor in laughter. That's the Lantz that will live in my memory forever. While my heart hurts because he's gone, I can't even begin to imagine how hard this is for his family. Lantz left behind his wife, Mandy, and their four children Ryley, Reagann, Rex, and Remy. Life is going to be different for them now that he's gone in ways that I can't even begin to imagine. Which brings me to this... I'm really writing this for two reasons: 1. I think it's a therapeutic way to help me deal with all of the emotions that I'm feeling. But, more importantly... 2. I'd like to ask you for your help, and I'd consider it a personal favor to me if you're able to. A GoFundMe has been started for his family and they can use all the help they can get. Lantz's ability to provide for his family was built on his personal brand (camps, training pitchers, etc.) and now that he's gone his family REALLY needs us! Even if you didn't know/follow him please consider helping his family in any way that you can. I really would consider this as a personal favor to me if you can do anything to help. 🙏 Lantz, I can't wait until the day we meet again...I love you buddy! gofundme.com/f/support-the-w…