Dee Strange-Gordon
A lightning-fast infielder who won a batting title and stole over 300 bases, playing with infectious joy after profound personal tragedy.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball player·Birthday: April 22·Millennials
Biography
Dee Strange-Gordon's game was built on pure, unadulterated speed, a blur on the basepaths who could turn a routine ground ball into an infield hit. The son of former MLB pitcher Tom Gordon, he carved his own path as a contact hitter and elite base stealer, winning the National League batting crown in 2015 with a .333 average. His career, which included an All-Star season and a Gold Glove, was deeply shaped by the sudden death of his teammate and close friend José Fernández in 2016. In his first at-bat after the tragedy, he honored Fernández by hitting a home run—his first of the season—and collapsing into tears as he crossed home plate. That moment encapsulated his resilience and heart. He later changed his last name to honor his mother, Devona Strange, adding a personal chapter to a career defined by both exhilarating play and profound humanity.
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.
Dee 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 Dee Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Dee'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
- Won the National League batting title in 2015 with a .333 average while playing for the Miami Marlins.
- Led Major League Baseball in stolen bases for three seasons (2014, 2015, 2017).
- Won a Gold Glove Award at second base in 2015.
Did You Know?
He legally changed his surname from Gordon to Strange-Gordon in 2021 to honor his mother.
He hit his first career home run in the emotional at-bat following the death of his teammate José Fernández.
He played shortstop, second base, and center field professionally despite being a natural right-handed thrower.
“I play with a lot of heart. I play the game the right way, and I have fun doing it.”
