A. J. Ellis
A cerebral and respected catcher whose sharp game-calling and clubhouse leadership made him the trusted battery-mate for multiple pitching aces.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American baseball player·Birthday: April 9·Millennials
Biography
A.J. Ellis was Clayton Kershaw's primary catcher during the ace's most dominant years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Drafted in a late round in 2004, he spent nearly eight years grinding in the minor leagues, honing his defensive skills. He seized his opportunity not with flashy power but with quiet, essential competence. He became a premier game-caller, a catcher whose preparation and rapport with pitchers were his superpowers. Behind the plate his focus was unwavering. In the clubhouse he was a unifying presence and mentor. After his playing days he transitioned to a front-office role, applying his analytical mind to player development. His career demonstrated the value of baseball intelligence, defensive mastery, and perseverance.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
A. was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When A. Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
A.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- He was the personal catcher for three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw during the peak of Kershaw's career with the Dodgers.
- He played a key role on four National League West division-winning Dodgers teams (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016).
- In the 2013 NLCS, he delivered a crucial game-tying hit in the 8th inning of Game 2 against the St. Louis Cardinals.
- He caught two no-hitters: one by Josh Beckett in 2014 and a combined no-hitter by four Dodgers pitchers in 2018.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Dodgers in the 18th round of the 2003 MLB draft out of Austin Peay State University.
He is known for his deep Christian faith and was often a leader of team Bible study groups.
He once caught a ceremonial first pitch from actor and comedian Will Ferrell during Ferrell's tour playing for multiple spring training teams.
He interned in the Dodgers' baseball operations department while still a minor league player, showcasing his early interest in front-office work.
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