A. J. Pollock
A dynamic and injury-plagued MLB outfielder whose peak seasons combined electrifying speed, sharp contact hitting, and brilliant defensive plays.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American baseball player·Birthday: December 5·Millennials
Biography
A.J. Pollock's baseball story is one of tantalizing potential repeatedly challenged by physical setbacks. Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks, he quickly established himself as a complete player—a center fielder with range, a bat that could hit for average and power, and savvy base-running instincts. His 2015 season was a masterpiece: an All-Star selection, a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger award, cementing his status as one of the game's most exciting two-way talents. But that year proved to be an apex, as a series of fractures, strains, and surgeries robbed him of consistency in the following seasons. Moves to the Dodgers, White Sox, Mariners, and Giants saw him contribute as a veteran role player, often delivering clutch hits and solid defense, but the everyday stardom of his Arizona years remained elusive. Pollock's career is a testament to high-level performance and the frustrating fragility that can define an athlete's journey.
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 1987, 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 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
A.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Named a National League All-Star and won a Gold Glove Award for his defensive excellence in 2015.
- Also won the Silver Slugger Award in 2015 after hitting .315 with 20 home runs and 39 stolen bases.
- Won a World Series championship as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020.
- Recorded a 30-game hitting streak in 2015, the longest in Arizona Diamondbacks franchise history.
Did You Know?
Pollock was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school in Connecticut, also excelling in hockey and soccer.
He played college baseball at the University of Notre Dame, where he was a two-time All-Big East selection.
He missed the entire 2010 minor league season after breaking a growth plate in his elbow during a spring training collision.
Pollock is an avid fly fisherman and often spends his off-seasons pursuing the hobby.
“You can't help the team from the training room; my job is to be on the field.”
