David Aardsma
A resilient reliever who carved out an 11-year MLB career and holds a unique, if quirky, place at the very top of baseball's alphabetical registry.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American baseball player·Birthday: December 27·Millennials
Biography
David Aardsma's baseball journey is a story of persistence and adaptation. A flame-throwing right-hander drafted in the first round, he navigated the volatile life of a relief pitcher, wearing eight different major league uniforms. His peak came in Seattle, where he seized the closer's role and saved 69 games over two seasons with a potent fastball. Injuries, including Tommy John surgery, tested his resolve, but he repeatedly fought back to the big leagues, valued for his experience and arm. Beyond the box scores, he holds a permanent trivia distinction: his surname places him first, alphabetically, on the all-time list of every player in Major League Baseball history, ahead of even Hank Aaron.
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.
David was born in 1981, 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 David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
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
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Recorded 69 saves as the primary closer for the Seattle Mariners in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
- Pitched in 11 Major League seasons for eight different franchises, appearing in 462 games.
- Is the first listed player in the alphabetical register of all MLB players in history.
Did You Know?
He was selected in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2003 MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants.
He played college baseball at Rice University, winning the College World Series in 2003.
He succeeded J.J. Putz as the Mariners' closer in 2009.
After retiring, he transitioned to a front office role with the Toronto Blue Jays.
“In the bullpen, your job is to be ready for the phone to ring.”
