Carlos Carrasco (baseball)
A durable and beloved pitcher who overcame a terrifying heart condition to become a cornerstone of Cleveland's rotation and a community pillar.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Venezuelan-American baseball player·Birthday: March 21·Millennials
Biography
Carlos 'Cookie' Carrasco's baseball journey is one of reinvention and remarkable perseverance. Signed out of Venezuela by the Philadelphia Phillies, he was traded to Cleveland as a promising prospect. Early struggles as a starter led to a move to the bullpen, where he refined his arsenal before seizing a rotation spot and blossoming into an All-Star in 2017, winning 18 games. His career, and life, took a dramatic turn in 2019 when he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. He missed months of the season undergoing treatment, returning to the mound that September to a standing ovation, an emotional moment that transcended sport. Back in full health, he helped anchor Cleveland's staff before being traded to the New York Mets. There, he reinvented himself again, posting a strong season in 2022. Beyond the stats, Carrasco's legacy is defined by his affable clubhouse presence and his profound charitable work, particularly with children battling illness, turning his own scare into a source of hope for others.
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.
Carlos 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 Carlos 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
Carlos'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 the 2020 American League Comeback Player of the Year Award after returning from treatment for leukemia.
- Was named an MLB All-Star in 2017 after posting an 18-6 record and a 3.29 ERA for Cleveland.
- Pitched a complete-game one-hit shutout against the Houston Astros on July 1, 2015.
- Recorded his 100th career win in 2023 while pitching for the New York Mets.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Cookie' was given to him by a minor league coach because he said 'Carrasco' was too long to write on a lineup card.
He and his wife, Karey, are heavily involved with the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, establishing 'Cookie's Charities'.
He was the winning pitcher in the game where his Cleveland teammate Francisco Lindor hit his first career grand slam.
He is one of only a handful of Venezuelan-born pitchers to record over 1,500 career strikeouts.
“When I found out I had leukemia, I said, 'Why me?' But now I say, 'Why not me?' I can help a lot of people.”
