Anthony Santander
A Venezuelan slugger who overcame early injuries to become a cornerstone power hitter and first-time All-Star in Baltimore.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Venezuelan baseball player·Birthday: October 19·Millennials
Biography
Anthony Santander’s path to big league stability was anything but direct. Signed by the Cleveland Indians out of Venezuela, he was a Rule 5 draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles, which meant he had to stick on the major league roster all season or be offered back. Injuries hampered his early years, but his raw power was undeniable. Once healthy, he seized an everyday role and transformed into the Orioles' most reliable run producer during their rebuilding years. A switch-hitter with more pop from the right side, Santander became known for clutch hitting and a strong outfield arm. His breakout culminated in a 2024 All-Star selection, a testament to his perseverance. After establishing himself as a fan favorite in Baltimore, his mid-season trade to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2024 marked a new chapter for the veteran slugger.
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 1994, 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 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Anthony's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
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
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as an American League All-Star in 2024 while with the Baltimore Orioles.
- Won a Silver Slugger Award in 2022 after leading the Orioles with 33 home runs and 89 RBI.
- Hit three home runs in a single game against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 18, 2020.
- Was a key offensive leader for the Orioles during their team turnaround in the early 2020s.
Did You Know?
He was originally signed by the Cleveland Guardians (then Indians) as an international free agent in 2011.
He made his MLB debut as a Rule 5 draft pick, requiring him to stay on the Orioles' active roster for the entire 2017 season.
His nickname among Orioles fans and teammates is 'Tony Taters,' a reference to his home run power.
He is one of a relatively small number of Venezuelan players to be selected as an MLB All-Star.
“I just try to put a good swing on the ball and help the team.”
