Dilson Herrera
A Colombian infielder whose powerful bat earned him a spot in Major League Baseball, representing a growing wave of talent from his home country.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Colombian baseball player·Birthday: March 3·Millennials
Biography
Hailing from Cartagena, Dilson Herrera signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates as an international free agent at just 16 years old, carrying the hopes of a nation still establishing its baseball footprint. His ticket to the majors was his potent bat, which showcased impressive power for a middle infielder. Herrera's big break came in a 2014 trade to the New York Mets, where he made his debut that same year as a highly-touted prospect. While his time in the majors saw him shuttle between New York and the minors, he left memorable flashes of his potential, including a two-homer game in 2016. His journey later included stops with the Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles. Though his MLB career was shorter than anticipated, Herrera's path from Colombia to the sport's biggest stage helped inspire a new generation of players in his home country.
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.
Dilson 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 Dilson Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Dilson'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
- Made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2014 at the age of 20.
- Hit two home runs in a single game for the Mets on September 14, 2016, showcasing his power potential.
- Represented Colombia in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, contributing to the nation's growing presence in the sport.
Did You Know?
He was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010 for a $220,000 bonus.
He was traded from the Pirates to the Mets in exchange for veterans Marlon Byrd and John Buck.
In the minors, he was known for his strong offensive numbers, including a 30-home run season in the Venezuelan Winter League.
“I signed at sixteen, carrying the hopes of a baseball nation on my shoulders.”
