David Peralta
A Venezuelan outfielder who reinvented himself from a failed pitcher into a Silver Slugger-winning hitter, embodying baseball's relentless second chances.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Venezuelan baseball player·Birthday: August 14·Millennials
Biography
David Peralta won a Silver Slugger award in 2019, the tangible peak of a career built on reinvention. The St. Louis Cardinals originally signed him as a pitcher, but shoulder injuries derailed that path. He returned to the minors as a position player, teaching himself to hit from scratch. The Arizona Diamondbacks took a chance, and Peralta blasted his way to the majors with a powerful, left-handed swing and fearless outfield play. He became a fan favorite in Phoenix. His journey from a damaged arm in the low minors to an All-Star caliber hitter demonstrated perseverance and adaptability.
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 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 David 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
David'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 National League Silver Slugger Award for outfielders in 2019 with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- Led the National League with 10 triples during the 2015 season.
- Recorded a 30-game hitting streak in 2018, the second-longest in Arizona Diamondbacks history.
- Hit for the cycle on September 30, 2018, against the San Diego Padres.
Did You Know?
He was originally a pitcher in the St. Louis Cardinals organization before converting to the outfield.
His nickname is 'Freight Train', given to him by a minor league manager for his aggressive playing style.
He played independent league baseball for the Amarillo Sox and Wichita Wingnuts during his conversion from pitcher to hitter.
He is an avid fan of the soccer team FC Barcelona.
“I came back as a hitter with nothing but a bat and my will.”
