Alek Thomas
A dynamic young outfielder whose electrifying speed and clutch hitting became a catalyst for the Arizona Diamondbacks' 2023 World Series run.
Born 2000 (age 26)·American baseball player·Birthday: April 28·Generation Z
Biography
Born in Chicago to a former major leaguer, Alek Thomas was groomed for the diamond from a young age. A standout high school football and baseball player, he chose baseball and was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018. His path to the majors was swift, marked by a smooth left-handed swing and exceptional defensive range in center field. Thomas announced his arrival in 2022, but it was the following postseason where he carved his name into franchise lore. His game-tying, pinch-hit home run in the 8th inning of Game 4 of the 2023 NLCS was a moment of pure drama, swinging the series and propelling the underdog Diamondbacks to the World Series. Beyond his stateside success, he has proudly represented Mexico, his mother's homeland, in international competition, adding a rich layer to his burgeoning career.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Alek was born in 2000, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alek Was Born
The biggest hits of 2000
#1 Movie
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Best Picture
Gladiator
#1 TV Show
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire
Alek's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
2000Born
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
2005Started school
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
2013Became a teenager
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Could drive
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2018Could vote
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2021Turned 21
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 26 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Hit a crucial game-tying, pinch-hit home run in the 8th inning of Game 4 of the 2023 NLCS.
- Made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks in May 2022.
- Represented Team Mexico in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Did You Know?
His father, Allen Thomas, was a strength and conditioning coach for the Chicago White Sox.
He was a star wide receiver in high school and had football scholarship offers.
He is fluent in Spanish and has represented Mexico in international play due to his mother's heritage.
“My dad taught me to play the game hard and play it right.”
