Buster Posey
A cerebral catcher whose steady leadership and clutch hitting anchored three World Series championships for the San Francisco Giants.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American baseball player and executive·Birthday: March 27·Millennials
Biography
Buster Posey arrived in San Francisco as a fresh-faced rookie from Florida State University and almost immediately became the calm, trusted center of a baseball dynasty. More than just a skilled hitter, he was a defensive maestro, revered for his game-calling and his ability to handle a pitching staff filled with eccentric talents. His career was nearly derailed in 2011 by a devastating home-plate collision that required major surgery, but his comeback the following year was a story of pure resilience, culminating in a National League MVP award and a second World Series title. Posey played with a quiet intensity, his stoic demeanor belying a fierce competitive fire. His decision to opt out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, to protect his newly adopted twin daughters, revealed a man whose priorities extended far beyond the diamond. His retirement after a stellar 2021 season felt premature to fans but was executed on his own terms, paving the way for a swift transition into the Giants' front office as President of Baseball Operations.
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.
Buster was born in 1987, 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 Buster Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Buster's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three World Series championships with the San Francisco Giants (2010, 2012, 2014).
- Awarded the National League Most Valuable Player award in 2012 after a historic comeback season.
- Named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2010.
- Selected as an MLB All-Star seven times and won a Gold Glove award in 2016.
- Helped Team USA win its first World Baseball Classic gold medal in 2017.
Did You Know?
He was a star shortstop in college at Florida State University before converting to catcher professionally.
His nickname 'Buster' came from his father's childhood nickname.
He and his wife Kristen adopted twin baby girls in 2020.
He won the NL batting title in 2012 with a .336 average.
“I think the thing I'm most proud of is just the resilience that we showed over the years.”
