What makes a Cy Young-winning pitcher doubt his own abilities as a teenager? How does a family’s deep, quiet support fuel a journey to the top, even when a public-facing parent and a hardworking mother are no longer together? And what does it say about a superstar when he turns his passion back to the community that built him? The answers lie not just in the box score, but in the untold story of Blake Snell’s family.
Who are the Parents of the 2023 Cy Young Award winner, Blake Snell? Meet Dave Snell and Jane Snell
Blake Snell, the 2023 Cy Young Award winner, grew up with a family deeply rooted in hard work and baseball. His father, Dave Snell, was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the ninth round of the 1982 MLB Draft. Although his professional playing career was short, Dave carried his love for baseball into coaching. He has been a respected figure in Seattle’s baseball community for decades, serving as the head coach at Shoreline Community College and founding the Seattle Select Baseball program in 2005. His ability to mentor young athletes, including his own son, shaped Blake’s journey from a self-conscious teen into a confident professional pitcher.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On the other side of the family was Blake’s mother, Jane Snell. Jane worked tirelessly as a hairstylist at the University of Washington for over 40 years while raising her children. Even after divorcing Dave, she remained close to her sons and offered constant encouragement. Known for her nervous energy during Blake’s games, Jane sometimes distracted herself with chores while her son pitched. Her unconditional love and sacrifices kept the family grounded and gave Blake the emotional strength he needed to pursue his dream.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who are his brothers? All about his twin Tyler, Dru, and David Snell
Blake isn’t the only Snell with a story to tell. He grew up with three brothers, Dru, Tyler, and David, each playing a different role in his journey.
Dru, the eldest, is the quiet force in the family. He lives in Seattle, keeps a low profile, and has chosen to live his life away from the spotlight. Still, his presence and steady role as the older sibling helped create stability in Blake’s life. Blake also has a twin brother, Tyler, born just minutes before him. Tyler lives in Lynnwood, Washington, and works outside of baseball. The twin connection has always been special, and though Tyler did not pursue professional sports, his closeness gave Blake a sense of comfort and support beyond the game.
The youngest brother, David, often called “Boots,” pursued baseball like Blake. He played at Shoreline Community College, the same program their father coached. With guidance from both Dave and Blake, David overcame challenges during his high school years and eventually found his rhythm both academically and athletically. Today, he continues his studies at the University of Washington while carrying forward the family’s connection to baseball
Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports
Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports
How Blake Snell’s family became the backbone of his MLB dream
Blake Snell’s rise to MLB stardom was not a solo effort. It was built on years of quiet encouragement, sacrifices, and belief from his family. His father Dave played a crucial role in coaching him through the tough years. As a teenager, Blake was often smaller and less developed than his peers, which left him doubting his ability. Dave constantly reminded him to stay patient, focus on improving, and trust that his body and skills would catch up. That steady voice of reason helped him push through doubts and stick with the game.
Meanwhile, Jane provided balance at home. She kept the family together, ensuring Blake and his brothers had stability and care. Her love was the emotional counterweight to Dave’s technical coaching. For Blake, knowing his mother was always in his corner, whether nervously pacing during games or cheering from the stands, was priceless.
His brothers added their own touches. Dru offered steady, grounding support. Tyler gave Blake the comfort of having a twin who shared life’s milestones with him. And David pushed Blake to mentor and inspire, as he helped coach his younger brother through challenges.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This family dynamic also inspired Blake to give back. In 2022, he launched a 12U “Zilla National” youth team in Seattle, aiming to provide opportunities for kids who remind him of himself. This project reflects his father’s legacy with Seattle Select and his family’s long-standing belief in lifting others up through baseball.
Together, the Snells created the backbone of Blake’s journey. His father’s coaching, his mother’s resilience, and his brothers’ companionship gave him both the technical skills and emotional strength to thrive. Today, every pitch he throws carries not just his own story, but the support of an entire family that made his dream possible.