Derek Norris
A powerful-hitting catcher who flashed All-Star potential, his MLB journey was a testament to resilience across multiple franchises.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American baseball player·Birthday: February 14·Millennials
Biography
Derek Norris arrived in the majors with the Oakland A's as part of the new wave of data-savvy players, a catcher whose offensive promise turned heads. In 2014, he broke out, earning an All-Star selection with a potent bat that provided rare pop from behind the plate. His tenure in Oakland was defined by that potent offense and a gritty defensive style. A trade to San Diego followed, where he shouldered a full-time workload, though his production became inconsistent. His career path then took him through Washington, Tampa Bay, and St. Louis, often in backup roles, as he adapted to the life of a baseball journeyman. Norris's story is one of early brilliance and the challenging marathon of a professional sports career, defined by a strong arm and moments of explosive power.
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.
Derek was born in 1989, 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 Derek Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Derek's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
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
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as an American League All-Star in 2014 while with the Oakland Athletics.
- Hit a career-high 14 home runs and posted a .270 batting average during his 2014 All-Star season.
- Threw out 34% of would-be base stealers in 2014, ranking among the league leaders for catchers.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 4th round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
He was traded from the Nationals to the Athletics in the deal that sent Gio Gonzalez to Washington.
He played for Team USA in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
“A catcher's job is to control the game from the dirt up.”
