Brad Mills (pitcher)
A left-handed pitcher who crafted a global baseball career, from MLB mounds to Japan, before transitioning to coaching.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American baseball player and coach·Birthday: March 5·Millennials
Biography
Brad Mills's baseball path was one of adaptability and perseverance. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, the left-hander made his Major League debut in 2009, relying on control and a varied arsenal rather than overpowering velocity. His MLB tenure saw him pitch for the Blue Jays, Angels, and Athletics, often shuttling between the rotation and the bullpen. Seeking to extend his playing days, Mills took his craft to Japan, joining the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball—a challenging and culturally rich chapter that showcased his dedication. After hanging up his glove, he smoothly transitioned into coaching, bringing his experienced perspective to developing pitchers. His career embodies the modern baseball lifer, one whose knowledge was forged across two of the world's top leagues.
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.
Brad was born in 1985, 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 Brad Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Brad's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
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
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Pitched in Major League Baseball for three different American League teams over four seasons.
- Played professionally in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan.
- Recorded his first MLB win with the Toronto Blue Jays in July 2009.
Did You Know?
He was a fourth-round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2007 MLB Draft out of the University of Arizona.
In Japan, he was teammates with several notable NPB stars, including slugger Yoshio Itoi.
After retiring, he served as a pitching coach in the Milwaukee Brewers minor league system.
“You have to attack the zone, even when your stuff isn't sharp.”
