There are certain things that just seem to belong together: October and postseason baseball, a close game and a nervous ninth inning, and a hot pizza sitting in the middle of the table.

At Shaner's Pizzeria in Sarasota, baseball isn't something we pull out of storage when the playoffs arrive. It's part of who we are.

With the 2026 Major League Baseball postseason beginning September 29, baseball fans are getting ready for the time of year when every pitch seems a little more important, every at-bat carries a little more weight, and one play can change an entire season. Around here, we understand that feeling pretty well.

From the Pitcher's Mound to the Pizza Business

Before there was Shaner's Pizzeria, there was baseball. Owner Shane Rawley spent years pitching in the Major Leagues before eventually trading the pitcher's mound for the pizza business. Shaner's has now been serving thin-crust pizza in Sarasota since 1991. That's a pretty good second career.

And while plenty has changed over the years, baseball has never really left the building. It's part of the atmosphere, the stories, the memorabilia and the conversations Shane still enjoys having with customers today.

Whether you're someone who remembers the players from Shane's era or a kid just discovering the game, baseball has a way of bringing generations together. So does pizza.

Why Pizza and Postseason Baseball Just Work

Pizza, good company and plenty of baseball history make Shaner's Pizzeria a Sarasota favorite.

Maybe it's because neither one needs to be complicated. When the game is on and nobody wants to miss an inning, pizza is made for sharing. Put it in the middle of the table, grab a slice and keep your eyes on the game.

Add wings and a few appetizers, and you've got the makings of a pretty good baseball night. At Shaner's, some of the choices include:

Our thin-crust pizzas
Wings with a variety of homemade sauces and dry rubs
Homemade mozzarella sticks
Stuffed mushrooms
Sandwiches and burgers
Salads and other favorites

The postseason doesn't need much more than good baseball, good food and good company.

October Baseball Is Different

Baseball is a long season. That's part of what makes reaching the postseason special. By the time October arrives, months of games have come down to a handful of opportunities. A great pitching performance, a timely hit or one defensive play can suddenly become the moment everyone is talking about the next morning.

The 2026 postseason begins with the Wild Card Series on September 29, followed by the Division Series beginning October 3. The National League Championship Series starts October 11, the American League Championship Series follows on October 12, and Game 1 of the World Series is scheduled for October 23. For baseball fans, it's one of the best stretches on the calendar.

A Little Baseball History With Your Pizza

Baseball is always part of the atmosphere at Shaner's, where owner and former Major League pitcher Shane Rawley has brought his love of the game to Sarasota's Gulf Gate community.

There are plenty of places to get something to eat in Sarasota. There aren't many where the guy behind the restaurant can tell you what it was actually like to stand on a Major League mound. That's always been part of the fun at Shaner's.

Shane enjoys talking baseball with customers, especially younger fans who are learning the game. The baseball history around the restaurant isn't a theme somebody came up with in a marketing meeting. It's part of Shane's story and, after all these years, part of the story of Shaner's Pizzeria too.

And don't be surprised if the conversation occasionally gets interrupted by a card trick. That's part of the Shaner's experience as well.

Baseball Season Isn't Over Yet

The regular season may be winding down, but some of the biggest games of the year are still ahead. So whether you're following your favorite team through October, debating a manager's decision, arguing balls and strikes from your chair, or simply looking for a good thin-crust pizza in Sarasota, we hope you'll make Shaner's part of your fall.

After all, Shane spent enough years around baseball to know something important: It's not over until the final out and there's always room for another slice!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaner's Pizzeria

Where is Shaner's Pizzeria located?
Shaner's Pizzeria is located at 6500 Superior Avenue in Sarasota, Florida, in the Gulf Gate area.

What kind of pizza does Shaner's serve?
Shaner's is known for its thin-crust pizza, with dough made fresh daily and a variety of toppings. The menu also includes wings, appetizers, salads, sandwiches and other options.

What is the baseball connection at Shaner's Pizzeria?
Shaner's owner, Shane Rawley, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. Baseball remains a big part of the personality and atmosphere of the restaurant, and Shane still enjoys talking about the game with customers.

Stop By Shaner's Pizzeria in Sarasota

Ready for pizza season and postseason season? Come see us at Shaner's Pizzeria in Gulf Gate and enjoy thin-crust pizza, wings and more while taking in a little piece of Sarasota baseball history.

Shaner's Pizzeria
6500 Superior Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34231

View our menu, stop in and make Shaner's part of your next pizza night.

October Means Playoff Baseball at Shaner's Pizzeria