David Robertson (baseball)
A relentless relief pitcher whose devastating curveball and clutch mentality made him one of the most dependable late-inning weapons for nearly two decades.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American baseball player·Birthday: April 9·Millennials
Biography
David Robertson never looked the part of a fireballing ace, but for 17 MLB seasons, he was the man managers wanted with the game on the line. Drafted by the Yankees in 2006, he honed his craft as Mariano Rivera's understudy, developing a signature curveball that dove violently away from right-handed hitters. 'D-Rob' thrived in the pressure cooker of New York, becoming an All-Star set-up man and, after Rivera's retirement, a successful closer. His career was a testament to adaptability and durability, pitching key innings for the White Sox, Phillies, Rays, and Marlins with the same intense focus. Whether collecting a World Series ring in 2009 or notching over 150 saves, Robertson was defined by a competitive grit that made him a cornerstone of any bullpen he entered.
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 1985, 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 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a World Series championship with the New York Yankees in 2009, appearing in 7 postseason games that year.
- Recorded 157 career saves, serving as a primary closer for the Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies.
- Was selected as an American League All-Star in 2011 after posting a 1.08 ERA in 70 relief appearances.
- Struck out over 900 batters in his career, averaging more than 12 strikeouts per nine innings.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Erin, are the founders of the 'High Socks for Hope' charity, which aids veterans and disaster victims.
He pitched for Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, helping them win the gold medal.
He made his MLB debut on June 29, 2008, against the New York Mets, striking out the first batter he faced.
He attended the University of Alabama, where he played college baseball for the Crimson Tide.
“I just try to throw strikes and get outs, and whatever happens, happens.”
