A. J. Ramos
A fiery relief pitcher with a devastating slider who saved 99 major league games, most memorably as the Marlins' closer.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American baseball player·Birthday: September 20·Millennials
Biography
A.J. Ramos, a right-hander born in 1986, built a career on competitive grit and one signature pitch. Drafted by the Florida Marlins out of Texas Tech, he climbed through the minors not as a flamethrower but as a command artist with a slider that dove away from right-handed hitters. He debuted in 2012 as a setup man, but his fearless demeanor and ability to strand runners made him a natural for the ninth inning. By 2015, he was the Marlins' full-time closer, earning an All-Star selection in 2016 after notching 40 saves the previous year. His game was high-wire: he often worked into and out of self-created jams, his intensity palpable on the mound. Arm injuries eventually curtailed his effectiveness, leading to stints with the Mets, Rockies, and Angels. While his peak was sharp, his 99 career saves stand as a testament to his tenure as a reliable, if heart-stopping, late-inning force.
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 1986, 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 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
A.'s Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
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
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Earned an MLB All-Star selection in 2016 as a member of the Miami Marlins.
- Recorded 40 saves for the Marlins in 2015, establishing himself as a premier closer.
- Pitched a combined 2.75 ERA across 321 career major league appearances.
- Finished his MLB career with 99 total saves and 369 strikeouts.
Did You Know?
He played college baseball at Texas Tech University, where he was a standout reliever.
Ramos was originally drafted as a shortstop in the 44th round of the 2004 draft by the Chicago Cubs, but did not sign.
He underwent shoulder surgery in 2018, which significantly impacted the latter part of his career.
“My slider is my out pitch; you have to trust it with the game on the line.”
