Craig Kimbrel
A fireball closer with a signature crouch, he became the most dominant relief pitcher of his generation, striking out fear with every pitch.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball player·Birthday: May 28·Millennials
Biography
Craig Kimbrel emerged from the Atlanta Braves bullpen in 2010 not just as a new arm, but as a spectacle. With a pre-pitch crouch that seemed to channel pure intensity and a fastball that exploded past hitters, he redefined the closer role for a decade. His early years in Atlanta were a blur of record-breaking saves and All-Star appearances, a period where he seemed untouchable. After a trade to Boston, he faced the high-pressure crucible of a championship chase, ultimately securing the final out of the 2018 World Series, a crowning moment for a pitcher built for the ninth inning. His later career became a journeyman's tour, a testament to his lasting value as he climbed the all-time saves list, his iconic stance remaining a symbol of late-inning dominance long after his peak.
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.
Craig was born in 1988, 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 Craig Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Craig's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
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
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
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
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Recorded the final out to win the 2018 World Series as the closer for the Boston Red Sox.
- Led the National League in saves for four consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2014.
- Became the youngest pitcher in MLB history to reach 300 career saves.
- Elected to nine All-Star teams over his career, a mark of sustained excellence.
Did You Know?
His distinctive pre-pitch crouch, with his arms stretched wide, was inspired by a photo of Hall of Fame reliever Jonathan Papelbon.
He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 33rd round, making his rise to stardom a story of dramatic late-round value.
He and his wife had twins in 2017, naming their son and daughter after variations of his initials: C.K. and K.C.
“When I get on that mound, it's a different person. It's not Craig anymore.”
