Sad saga of Michael Baze dragged through Judge Judy’s courtroom

by Ray Paulick | 05.23.2012 | 9:32pm

A little more than a year after the death of jockey Michael Baze from an overdose of drugs, his mother and widow, who between them received $1 million in life insurance proceeds, appeared on the popular syndicated television show “Judge Judy” in a dispute over an $855 bill from a crematorium.

The 24-year-old Baze was a member of the famed racing family from the Pacific Northwest that includes his cousin, Russell Baze, the sport’s winningest jockey and a member of the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame. Michael Baze began riding in Southern California in 2003 at the age of 16 and won riding titles at Hollywood Park and later Arlington Park near Chicago.

Baze’s body was discovered in his vehicle in the stable area of Churchill Downs on May 10, 2011. He was pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy revealed the presence of cocaine and the painkiller oxymorphone. The young rider was facing criminal charges of cocaine possession at the time of his death. According to his widow, Kelly Baze, who had been separated from him for about a year, Michael Baze had more than $3,000 in cash in his possession when his body was discovered.

Teri Gibson, Baze’s mother, sued Kelly Baze for the amount she paid to have her son cremated (click here for a preview of the show). She also sued to have the jockey’s widow pay for travel expenses for her and another son to come to Kentucky, and to defray costs of a memorial service. The cause of Baze’s death and his profession were not disclosed during the show. (Note: the disputes on the Judge Judy show are not official, though participants sign a waiver that they will not pursue similar action in the actual judicial system.)

Gibson received $250,000 from a life insurance policy. Kelly Baze received $750,000.

Judith Scheindlin, better known as Judge Judy, is a former family court judge in New York whose tough, no-nonsense style has made her a popular reality TV show star. During the segment in which Baze’s mother and widow argued over the disputed money, she constantly chided Gibson to stop talking out of turn.

Judge Judy ruled that Kelly Baze is responsible for the crematorium bill and ordered that Gibson be paid the $855 (according to reports, a fund from the television show actually pays the judgment). However, Judge Judy said Gibson was responsible for travel expenses and any costs related to the memorial service.

Individuals appearing on the Judge Judy show reportedly receive $250 each for their appearance, plus a daily stipend and travel expenses to Los Angeles.

Apparently, a million dollars between the two women wasn’t enough.

On year ago, at a memorial service for Michael Baze at Churchill Downs, a tearful Kelly Baze stood arm in arm with Teri Gibson and said Baze “will be looking down at us.”

You have to wonder what he would be thinking now.

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Lost In The Fog

Fighting over an $855 bill is, in itself, pathetic. Choosing to appear on national TV in the “circus” atmosphere of Judge Judy’s show to settle such a trivial matter speaks volumes about both the mother and wife of the late Michael Baze. How sad, how dysfunctional. Poor Michael. RIP.
- Convene
  
  Ridiculous! I lived on schoolbus drivers wages for a long time (and up here that’s a pathetic amount) – but I would never have taken anyone to court over such a ridiculous amount of money. ESPECIALLY over the body (literally!) of a son or husband I’m supposed to have loved. I trust their courtroom quibbling will assuage their grief.
Lost In The Fog

Fighting over an $855 bill is, in itself, pathetic. Choosing to appear on national TV in the “circus” atmosphere of Judge Judy’s show to settle such a trivial matter speaks volumes about both the mother and wife of the late Michael Baze. How sad, how dysfunctional. Poor Michael. RIP.
Sosillyfilly

I think its all so terribly sad
Sosillyfilly

I think its all so terribly sad
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=597973618 Isabella Izzy

Sad.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=597973618 Isabella Izzy

Sad.
Bristling

I remember him when he had the bug here in the midatlantic region, he seemed like the sweetest kid
Bristling

I remember him when he had the bug here in the midatlantic region, he seemed like the sweetest kid
Barbara

I truly hope Michael Baze found more peace than his survivors have so far
Barbara

I truly hope Michael Baze found more peace than his survivors have so far
Anonymous

This is absolutely embarrassing. Arguing over who pays to cremate their loved one. Both of these women should be ashamed of themselves. What kind of mother sues someone to pay for their sons cremation and also for their flight expenses to come out for their sons memorial service. If you care that much about the money than you shouldn’t have flown out to the memorial service in the first place. Wake up and realize there are more important things in this world than money.
Anonymous

This is absolutely embarrassing. Arguing over who pays to cremate their loved one. Both of these women should be ashamed of themselves. What kind of mother sues someone to pay for their sons cremation and also for their flight expenses to come out for their sons memorial service. If you care that much about the money than you shouldn’t have flown out to the memorial service in the first place. Wake up and realize there are more important things in this world than money.
desertrailrat

Wow. At a loss for words for once.
desertrailrat

Wow. At a loss for words for once.
http://profile.yahoo.com/GN75TMMTTZCDAKCKWH4QH6RDYQ Ronald T

Maybe Mike knew what he was doing after all getting away from these nuts…RIP….
Cher Villalobos

A classless act so they could get 5 minutes of fame on Judge Judy. They should be ashamed of themselves.
Cher Villalobos

A classless act so they could get 5 minutes of fame on Judge Judy. They should be ashamed of themselves.
breeze10

UNBELIEVABLE !!! I’m a mother, too, and would I sue my son’s wife for his cremation cost?…NEVER !!!! THIS MAMA SHOULD BE ASHAMED INTO OBLIVION!!!!…No little wonder Michael was an addict with a Mom like this!
- guest
  
  She is a great mom. He had independence that was beyond her. He got caught up with the wrong people.
breeze10

UNBELIEVABLE !!! I’m a mother, too, and would I sue my son’s wife for his cremation cost?…NEVER !!!! THIS MAMA SHOULD BE ASHAMED INTO OBLIVION!!!!…No little wonder Michael was an addict with a Mom like this!
Forgone23

Is this an actual story written by the “Paulick staff” or is this another ripoff article stolen from a reputable source and claimed as your own? Fluff.
- RayPaulick
  
  Forgone23…Sadly, I watched the episode of Judge Judy in question and it is 100% original reporting. I know you’re a big fan of our website. Should I nominate the story for a Pulitzer?
  - Watcher
    
    Now we know how Paulick spends his time. During commercial breaks he must post on PR all the press releases he receives.
    - Jack Brown
      
      somehow ray has piously named himself as the “moral compass” of all racing. I have known ray for 40 years. Believe me, ray has no business judging others!
      - RayPaulick
        
        “Jack” – I seriously doubt that you’ve known me 40 years, but thanks for stopping by.
  - NY Owner
    
    Hahahahaha! Ray, you kill me!
  - Don Reed
    
    Ray, sadly, “Punch & Judge Judy” qualifies as a fiction-based production, so make that an Emmy.
  - Jack Brown
    
    ray, with all due respect, u r NOT a moral compass. We know about your past, but choose to not report it.
    - Lisa Wintermote
      
      Ray is a great guy and a truly great reporter! One of the best things to happen to racing in years is the PR. I don’t give a rats a** if Ray was Jack the Ripper in a previous life, he’s one he’ll of a good guy NOW!
- GC
  
  you misspelled foregone, Forgone23
  - Don Reed
    
    It must have been the ozone.
Randy in Lakeland

Sounds like he was surround by low rent folks. May he rest in peace.
Forgone23

Is this an actual story written by the “Paulick staff” or is this another ripoff article stolen from a reputable source and claimed as your own? Fluff.
Randy in Lakeland

Sounds like he was surround by low rent folks. May he rest in peace.
Barbara Wood

How very sad on all fronts.
Barbara Wood

How very sad on all fronts.
roseann cherasaro

It is hard to believe that they were fighting over such a small sum of money..losing someone you love is hard enough but fighting over 855 BUCKS is just lameeeee.
roseann cherasaro

It is hard to believe that they were fighting over such a small sum of money..losing someone you love is hard enough but fighting over 855 BUCKS is just lameeeee.
RayPaulick

Forgone23…Sadly, I watched the episode of Judge Judy in question and it is 100% original reporting. I know you’re a big fan of our website. Should I nominate the story for a Pulitzer?
Watcher

Now we know how Paulick spends his time. During commercial breaks he must post on PR all the press releases he receives.
GC

you misspelled foregone, Forgone23
JC

I literally had to sleep on this one before posting a comment. It stands to reason that most people are not happy to lose a son or a husband. But are they happy now(and/or was it fair to Michael and his memory) to drag all this through the tabloid-television mud?

A very wise lady once said to me, “You know, my daughters and daughter-in-law can have no idea yet what it’s like to have adult children, so it’s MY job to set the tone”.

That really resonated with me at the time, and still does. To read this travesty makes me wonder exactly what sort of tone was set here.

Goes to show that chronological age can have absolutely nothing to do with emotional maturity. Sometimes all one can do is note the bad example that she/he was set, and then proceed to do the opposite. An attempt at a word to the wise…

And God rest and keep Michael Baze, a talent who left this world way too soon.
JC

I literally had to sleep on this one before posting a comment. It stands to reason that most people are not happy to lose a son or a husband. But are they happy now(and/or was it fair to Michael and his memory) to drag all this through the tabloid-television mud?

A very wise lady once said to me, “You know, my daughters and daughter-in-law can have no idea yet what it’s like to have adult children, so it’s MY job to set the tone”.

That really resonated with me at the time, and still does. To read this travesty makes me wonder exactly what sort of tone was set here.

Goes to show that chronological age can have absolutely nothing to do with emotional maturity. Sometimes all one can do is note the bad example that she/he was set, and then proceed to do the opposite. An attempt at a word to the wise…

And God rest and keep Michael Baze, a talent who left this world way too soon.
UpStateNY

Terrible – Petty nonsense. They should both be ashamed of themselves.
UpStateNY

Terrible – Petty nonsense. They should both be ashamed of themselves.
NY Owner

Hahahahaha! Ray, you kill me!
Tulenko

Sad, pathetic and no-class. No wonder he was troubled. What else can you say?
Tulenko

Sad, pathetic and no-class. No wonder he was troubled. What else can you say?
Frank L.

What’s that old saying — behind every
great man is a woman? I think it could also be said — behind every
failed man is a woman, or, “MAYBE” two???
- Convene
  
  Well, behind some of ‘em anyway!
Frank L.

What’s that old saying — behind every
great man is a woman? I think it could also be said — behind every
failed man is a woman, or, “MAYBE” two???
David P

Unfortunately, speaks volumes for where our country is and where it’s headed. The most important thing is getting your 15 minutes of fame and hang the consequences. In this day and age of all those self-serving reality shows, it seems everyone is clamoring to publicly humiliate themselves. The fact that these people would do that at the expense of a dead husband/son is beyond comprehension. It is nothing knew, btw, my wife and daughter were glued to the TV, along with millions of other viewers, when that poor bastard who killed himself on Housewives of Beverly Hills was dragged through the mud at the expense of the almighty $$$ and ratings. I had to leave the room when that show aired. It was disgusting then and this Judge Judy episode is disgusting now. The fact that the show’s producers want and are allowed to air this s*** shows how far we have fallen as a society.
David P

Unfortunately, speaks volumes for where our country is and where it’s headed. The most important thing is getting your 15 minutes of fame and hang the consequences. In this day and age of all those self-serving reality shows, it seems everyone is clamoring to publicly humiliate themselves. The fact that these people would do that at the expense of a dead husband/son is beyond comprehension. It is nothing knew, btw, my wife and daughter were glued to the TV, along with millions of other viewers, when that poor bastard who killed himself on Housewives of Beverly Hills was dragged through the mud at the expense of the almighty $$$ and ratings. I had to leave the room when that show aired. It was disgusting then and this Judge Judy episode is disgusting now. The fact that the show’s producers want and are allowed to air this s*** shows how far we have fallen as a society.
Gina_tree

Actually, I was unaware of who Michael Baze was until after watching Judge Judy last night. I find Mr. Paulick’s article to be rather biased and left some info out – Teri Gibson, Mr. Baze’s mom was the plaintiff, suing because she felt her daughter-in-law should have reimbursed her for her travel expenses to her son’s memorial and for the cost of his cremation. What she failed to mention until Judge Judy mentioned it was that she was the beneficiary and received $250,000 from a life insurance policy her son left her. Mr. Baze left his estranged wife a policy in the amount of $750,00. I agree with Judge Judy, if his mom would have received the entire life insurance policy amount of 1 million dollars, there wouldn’t have been a lawsuit filed. She was out of line. Completely. If Mr. Baze hadn’t intened for his wife to get the $$, he would have changed his policy – just like he did for his mom. His mother should be embarrassed. You have $250,000 and you are suing for $5000? Really?
Gina_tree

Actually, I was unaware of who Michael Baze was until after watching Judge Judy last night. I find Mr. Paulick’s article to be rather biased and left some info out – Teri Gibson, Mr. Baze’s mom was the plaintiff, suing because she felt her daughter-in-law should have reimbursed her for her travel expenses to her son’s memorial and for the cost of his cremation. What she failed to mention until Judge Judy mentioned it was that she was the beneficiary and received $250,000 from a life insurance policy her son left her. Mr. Baze left his estranged wife a policy in the amount of $750,00. I agree with Judge Judy, if his mom would have received the entire life insurance policy amount of 1 million dollars, there wouldn’t have been a lawsuit filed. She was out of line. Completely. If Mr. Baze hadn’t intened for his wife to get the $$, he would have changed his policy – just like he did for his mom. His mother should be embarrassed. You have $250,000 and you are suing for $5000? Really?
Ida Lee

When I read about Michael’s death, and the way he died, I thought to myself…couldn’t he go to his family for help? did he have to die at 24 years old and alone? Where was his family? Now, I know why he died at 24 and alone. This young man’s story gets more tragic by the second.
Ida Lee

When I read about Michael’s death, and the way he died, I thought to myself…couldn’t he go to his family for help? did he have to die at 24 years old and alone? Where was his family? Now, I know why he died at 24 and alone. This young man’s story gets more tragic by the second.
Gaited Filly

This really is sad & a horrible thing to add to the memory of Michael Baze. Any family can have problems with addiction, no class or income restrictions there. This news shocked me but then it doesn’t. It is an example of pure family dysfunction. I’ve seen too much of it in my life both professionally and personally. It’s also an example of how so many people no longer have any personal boundaries. Everything private is put out for public consumption.

I personally don’t believe Michael can see any of this and that should be a comfort to others. Lots of people think their loved ones who have died are looking down on them, watching over them or guiding them. Don’t believe it. If you believe in heaven, and I do, there are no tears in heaven only joy unspeakable (so great it cannot be described). No one who is in heaven could look down on their loved ones and not shed tears. Thank God he does not have the worry of his screwed up family.
Gaited Filly

This really is sad & a horrible thing to add to the memory of Michael Baze. Any family can have problems with addiction, no class or income restrictions there. This news shocked me but then it doesn’t. It is an example of pure family dysfunction. I’ve seen too much of it in my life both professionally and personally. It’s also an example of how so many people no longer have any personal boundaries. Everything private is put out for public consumption.

I personally don’t believe Michael can see any of this and that should be a comfort to others. Lots of people think their loved ones who have died are looking down on them, watching over them or guiding them. Don’t believe it. If you believe in heaven, and I do, there are no tears in heaven only joy unspeakable (so great it cannot be described). No one who is in heaven could look down on their loved ones and not shed tears. Thank God he does not have the worry of his screwed up family.
no more bute

Michaels wife came across in a much better way than his mother, the mother was a sad pathetic figure, no doubt begrudging Michaels wife her inheritance.
no more bute

Michaels wife came across in a much better way than his mother, the mother was a sad pathetic figure, no doubt begrudging Michaels wife her inheritance.
http://www.facebook.com/robert.clayton.63 Robert Clayton

Cyndi Lauper was right…..Money changes everything!!!!!!
http://www.facebook.com/robert.clayton.63 Robert Clayton

Cyndi Lauper was right…..Money changes everything!!!!!!
WILLIAM L. ANTON

I only wish people would try and remember what a great guy he was and that the addiction took over his good sense. I have said this next piece in other blogs, the young jockey gets too much money too quickly and needs guidance on all aspects of his new life and fortune. Mike was/is an example of youth without guidance with his or her new found wealth and fame. I will always try and remember the nice young man I met at the track.
WILLIAM L. ANTON

I only wish people would try and remember what a great guy he was and that the addiction took over his good sense. I have said this next piece in other blogs, the young jockey gets too much money too quickly and needs guidance on all aspects of his new life and fortune. Mike was/is an example of youth without guidance with his or her new found wealth and fame. I will always try and remember the nice young man I met at the track.
Convene

The poor guy must be rolling over in his grave! How sad to see that two women who (I assume) profess to have loved him have reduced his life to, “How much is in it for me?” I’m sure glad these aren’t my relatives. They need to give themselves a shake and then give their own faces a slap!
Convene

The poor guy must be rolling over in his grave! How sad to see that two women who (I assume) profess to have loved him have reduced his life to, “How much is in it for me?” I’m sure glad these aren’t my relatives. They need to give themselves a shake and then give their own faces a slap!
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jack-Twee/100000596714235 Jack Twee

Pathetic.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jack-Twee/100000596714235 Jack Twee

Pathetic.
Mike Sekulic

Add this petty and humiliating court case to the list of horrible things that people do when someone dies. It truly is awful to see the true colors of people when a death occurs.

I am disgusted at the stories I’ve heard about what some people will do, and how low they will stoop, when someone dies. It’s disheartening.

I know a woman whose father died and she was furious that his Living Trust divided his estate, 50-50, with her brother. I told her “nothing could be more equitable…and that house and money belong to your father…it’s his right to say who gets what…and in this case he couldn’t have been more fair.” Then I asked her what she’s mad about. She said that her brother “is a millionaire and he lives in Newport Beach.” Then she told me she’s getting a lawyer so she can sue her brother, and never spoke to me again. I find that The Truth infuriates some people.

How many people file malicious lawsuits so that they can get their hands on money NOT left to them? How many people bear false witness and lie to get that money? How money people don’t care about right and wrong, and just love money? How many people aren’t good to someone while they’re alive, but try to steal (through the court system and by lying about others) to get their hands on cash that was never intended for them?

And now we have this court case where a mother who received $250,000 from her deceased son and she thinks that she’s owed money for coming to his memorial service?

Oh. My. God.
Mike Sekulic

Add this petty and humiliating court case to the list of horrible things that people do when someone dies. It truly is awful to see the true colors of people when a death occurs.

I am disgusted at the stories I’ve heard about what some people will do, and how low they will stoop, when someone dies. It’s disheartening.

I know a woman whose father died and she was furious that his Living Trust divided his estate, 50-50, with her brother. I told her “nothing could be more equitable…and that house and money belong to your father…it’s his right to say who gets what…and in this case he couldn’t have been more fair.” Then I asked her what she’s mad about. She said that her brother “is a millionaire and he lives in Newport Beach.” Then she told me she’s getting a lawyer so she can sue her brother, and never spoke to me again. I find that The Truth infuriates some people.

How many people file malicious lawsuits so that they can get their hands on money NOT left to them? How many people bear false witness and lie to get that money? How money people don’t care about right and wrong, and just love money? How many people aren’t good to someone while they’re alive, but try to steal (through the court system and by lying about others) to get their hands on cash that was never intended for them?

And now we have this court case where a mother who received $250,000 from her deceased son and she thinks that she’s owed money for coming to his memorial service?

Oh. My. God.
Zann

The mother was bad enough, but let’s not forget that the widow, enriched to the tune of three quarters of a million dollars for a two year marriage, could settled it quickly by writing mom a check for a couple thousand and kept it out court and off the tv.
Zann

The mother was bad enough, but let’s not forget that the widow, enriched to the tune of three quarters of a million dollars for a two year marriage, could settled it quickly by writing mom a check for a couple thousand and kept it out court and off the tv.
disqus

Before you throw stones, I knew Mike and his wife fairly well. His wife and them were estranged well before he died. The mom felt she was entitled to all of the money and only got 25% of it because the wife and him were still legally married. Its a shame that we all had to be remind of his death twice in the month of May, once because of the groom that died and now because of Judge Judy.
disqus

Before you throw stones, I knew Mike and his wife fairly well. His wife and them were estranged well before he died. The mom felt she was entitled to all of the money and only got 25% of it because the wife and him were still legally married. Its a shame that we all had to be remind of his death twice in the month of May, once because of the groom that died and now because of Judge Judy.
Don Reed

I’d rather be deservedly fingered as a corrupting factor in Michael’s sad demise than to have been associated in any way share or form with Judge Judy and her putrid televised circus, any day of the year.
- Convene
  
  While I do sometimes disagree with her, I do find it amusing to hear her tell people with the mentality of 5-year olds to grow up. In some cases, I think she’s the first person who ever did! We won’t see this episode north of the border for some time, I expect, so I can’t comment on it. However, many of her litigants behave like overgrown babies – and don’t auger optimism for some segments of the future!
  - Don Reed
    
    True. Now, please justify (provide the reasoning suporting) the spectacle of a “public servant” ”earning” upwards of $5,000,000 (a conservative estimate) running a small claims court, while the President of the United States is paid one tenth as much.
    
    Do we have to run Ginzo Knives commercials during the annual State of the Union address?
    - Convene
      
      I agree that’s ridiculous – but I was replying to the “circus” portion of your post. The $$$ paid for the show is ridiculous. However, where I live ridiculous things tend to be quite common so I guess I don’t pay the same attention to them. Up here, people routinely get paid more to do the wrong thing than they do to do the right one. It seems people need to get their priorities straight – right?
Don Reed

I’d rather be deservedly fingered as a corrupting factor in Michael’s sad demise than to have been associated in any way share or form with Judge Judy and her putrid televised circus, any day of the year.
Don Reed

Ray, sadly, “Punch & Judge Judy” qualifies as a fiction-based production, so make that an Emmy.
Don Reed

It must have been the ozone.
Convene

While I do sometimes disagree with her, I do find it amusing to hear her tell people with the mentality of 5-year olds to grow up. In some cases, I think she’s the first person who ever did! We won’t see this episode north of the border for some time, I expect, so I can’t comment on it. However, many of her litigants behave like overgrown babies – and don’t auger optimism for some segments of the future!
Convene

Well, behind some of ‘em anyway!
Convene

Ridiculous! I lived on schoolbus drivers wages for a long time (and up here that’s a pathetic amount) – but I would never have taken anyone to court over such a ridiculous amount of money. ESPECIALLY over the body (literally!) of a son or husband I’m supposed to have loved. I trust their courtroom quibbling will assuage their grief.
Don Reed

True. Now, please justify (provide the reasoning suporting) the spectacle of a “public servant” ”earning” upwards of $5,000,000 (a conservative estimate) running a small claims court, while the President of the United States is paid one tenth as much.

Do we have to run Ginzo Knives commercials during the annual State of the Union address?
Convene

I agree that’s ridiculous – but I was replying to the “circus” portion of your post. The $$$ paid for the show is ridiculous. However, where I live ridiculous things tend to be quite common so I guess I don’t pay the same attention to them. Up here, people routinely get paid more to do the wrong thing than they do to do the right one. It seems people need to get their priorities straight – right?
ron

Even though his mom is a disgrace, you always leave your insurance policies to your mom , dad or children. Never your wife that you’re separated from. Wives come and go, parents and children are forever.
ron

Even though his mom is a disgrace, you always leave your insurance policies to your mom , dad or children. Never your wife that you’re separated from. Wives come and go, parents and children are forever.
Jack Brown

ray, with all due respect, u r NOT a moral compass. We know about your past, but choose to not report it.
Jack Brown

somehow ray has piously named himself as the “moral compass” of all racing. I have known ray for 40 years. Believe me, ray has no business judging others!
RayPaulick

“Jack” – I seriously doubt that you’ve known me 40 years, but thanks for stopping by.
Lisa Wintermote

Ray is a great guy and a truly great reporter! One of the best things to happen to racing in years is the PR. I don’t give a rats a** if Ray was Jack the Ripper in a previous life, he’s one he’ll of a good guy NOW!
Jameslydin

I grew up with Michael. This should have never gone to court. With 750,000 dollars… this should have benn paid without the blink of an eye. no issue or judge judy needed.
Jameslydin

I grew up with Michael. This should have never gone to court. With 750,000 dollars… this should have benn paid without the blink of an eye. no issue or judge judy needed.
guest

She is a great mom. He had independence that was beyond her. He got caught up with the wrong people.