Brent Clevlen
A power-hitting outfielder whose major league journey was defined by memorable flashes of brilliance within a career spent battling for a permanent spot.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American baseball player·Birthday: October 27·Millennials
Biography
Brent Clevlen's baseball story is one of tantalizing potential and the harsh realities of a crowded big-league roster. Drafted by the Detroit Tigers, he rocketed through the minors, known for his potent bat. His major league debut in 2006 was a headline-grabber: he smashed a home run in his first start. Clevlen had moments where he looked like a future star, including a two-homer game that summer. But consistency at the highest level proved elusive, and he found himself shuttling between Detroit and their Triple-A affiliate. After a trade to Atlanta and brief appearances there, his time in the majors concluded, though he continued playing professionally in the minors and independent leagues for years. His career stands as a testament to the fine line between a cup of coffee and a long-term stay in the show.
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.
Brent was born in 1983, 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 Brent Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Brent's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
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
2004Turned 21
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
2013Turned 30
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
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Hit a home run in his first major league start for the Detroit Tigers on July 31, 2006.
- Hit two home runs in a single game against the Cleveland Indians on August 4, 2006.
- Played in 58 major league games across parts of four seasons with the Tigers and Braves.
Did You Know?
He was a high school teammate of fellow MLB player John Danks.
Clevlen was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2002 MLB draft, a high selection that indicated significant potential.
After his MLB career, he played for the independent league team Sugar Land Skeeters.
He attended West Brook Senior High School in Beaumont, Texas.
“That first home run felt like the start of everything.”
