Chris Volstad
A durable right-hander who logged over a thousand major league innings, known for his ground-ball inducing sinker and steady presence on the mound.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American baseball player·Birthday: September 23·Millennials
Biography
Chris Volstad's professional journey is a testament to the grind of a major league pitcher. Drafted in the first round by the Florida Marlins in 2005, the tall right-hander from Florida quickly became known for a heavy sinker that produced double-play grounders. He debuted at 21 and, for a time, looked like a rotation fixture. While he never evolved into a dominant ace, Volstad embodied reliability, taking the ball every fifth day for multiple organizations across eight MLB seasons. His career had its peaks, like a strong rookie campaign, and its valleys, including struggles with consistency. After his MLB chapter closed, he extended his playing days in South Korea's KBO league, showcasing the adaptability and love for the game that defines so many career pitchers. His story is one of longevity and professional perseverance.
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.
Chris was born in 1986, 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 Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
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
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Pitched over 1,000 innings in Major League Baseball across eight seasons with five different teams.
- Was a first-round draft pick (16th overall) by the Florida Marlins in the 2005 MLB Draft.
- Made his MLB debut at age 21 and started 29 games for the Marlins in his first full season in 2008.
- Played professionally in the KBO League for the Doosan Bears in 2016, continuing his career overseas.
Did You Know?
He was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school, also playing basketball at Palm Beach Gardens High School.
In his MLB debut on July 6, 2008, he earned a win against the Colorado Rockies.
He stands 6 feet 8 inches tall, making him one of the tallest pitchers in MLB history.
“My job is to keep the ball down and let the defense work behind me.”
