Anthony Reyes
A right-handed pitcher whose October brilliance for the Cardinals in 2006 delivered a crucial World Series victory.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American baseball player·Birthday: October 16·Millennials
Biography
Anthony Reyes carved his name into baseball lore not with a long career, but with a single, masterful performance when it mattered most. Drafted in the 15th round by the St. Louis Cardinals out of USC in 2003, he was a workhorse in the minors known for his clean mechanics and a sharp slider. His major league journey was one of flashes and frustration, often battling inconsistency. Yet, in Game 1 of the 2006 World Series against the heavily favored Detroit Tigers, manager Tony La Russa handed the ball to the rookie. Reyes responded with a stunning, eight-inning gem, allowing just two runs and setting the tone for the Cardinals' eventual championship. That moment became the defining peak of his five-year MLB tenure, which later included stops in Cleveland and minor league systems, before he transitioned into coaching.
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.
Anthony 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 Anthony Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Anthony'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
- Won Game 1 of the 2006 World Series for the St. Louis Cardinals with 8 strong innings, a pivotal moment in their championship run.
- Pitched a complete-game shutout for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds in 2005, showcasing his minor-league dominance.
- Was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 15th round of the 2003 MLB Draft out of the University of Southern California.
Did You Know?
He was a teammate of MLB star Mark Prior on the USC Trojans baseball team.
Following his playing career, he served as a pitching coach in the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system.
In his MLB debut on August 9, 2005, he earned the win against the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I just wanted to throw strikes and give my team a chance to win the game.”
