Devin Williams (baseball)
A relief pitcher whose devastating 'Airbender' changeup became one of baseball's most unhittable pitches, propelling him to stardom.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American baseball player·Birthday: September 21·Millennials
Biography
Devin Williams didn't just arrive in the major leagues; he announced himself with a weapon that left hitters flailing at ghosts. After a modest debut, the right-hander for the Milwaukee Brewers unleashed his signature pitch in 2020—a changeup with such extreme late downward movement that it earned the nickname 'The Airbender.' The pitch wasn't just effective; it was a phenomenon, generating whiff rates that bordered on the absurd. Williams used it to dominate the shortened season, utterly overwhelming batters and rocketing to the top of his profession. His ascent hit a temporary snag with an off-field injury, but he returned with the same devastating stuff, anchoring the back end of the Brewers' bullpen and becoming a linchpin for one of baseball's best pitching staffs. His career is a testament to the power of a single, perfected pitch to redefine a player's trajectory and terrify the opposition.
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.
Devin was born in 1994, 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 Devin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Devin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
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
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
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
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
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
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the National League Rookie of the Year Award unanimously in the 2020 season.
- Won the National League Reliever of the Year Award in 2020 and again in 2023.
- Posted a historically low 0.33 ERA over 27 innings in his award-winning 2020 rookie campaign.
- Was selected as an MLB All-Star in 2023.
- Led all MLB relievers in strikeout rate (min. 40 IP) for the 2020 season.
Did You Know?
He broke his hand punching a wall in celebration after the Brewers clinched a playoff spot in 2021, ending his season.
His 'Airbender' changeup is thrown with a unique grip he developed in the minor leagues.
He was originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round of the 2013 MLB draft.
He did not allow a single home run during the entire 2020 regular season.
“They call it the Airbender because it disappears; good luck hitting a ghost.”
