Drew Pomeranz
A crafty left-handed pitcher who reinvented himself from a starter to a dominant reliever, clinching a World Series ring with Boston.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball player·Birthday: November 22·Millennials
Biography
Drew Pomeranz entered the majors with the pedigree of a top draft pick and the classic starter's toolkit: a tall frame, a good fastball, and a sharp curve. His early career was a journey of adjustments, moving through multiple teams as he searched for consistency. The breakthrough came not in the rotation, but in the bullpen. With the San Diego Padres in 2016, his velocity spiked and his curveball became a wipe-out pitch, earning him an All-Star selection as a reliever. This transformation paved the way for his most successful chapter: a key role in the Boston Red Sox's historic 2018 championship run, where his left arm provided crucial innings in high-leverage situations. His career stands as a testament to adaptability in a game that constantly demands it.
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.
Drew 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 Drew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Drew'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 World Series as a member of the 2018 Boston Red Sox, contributing 13 holds out of the bullpen that season.
- Selected as a National League All-Star in 2016 while pitching for the San Diego Padres.
- Was the fifth overall pick in the 2010 MLB Draft, selected by the Cleveland Indians.
- Pitched for ten different Major League Baseball teams over his career, showcasing his longevity.
Did You Know?
His brother, Stuart Pomeranz, also pitched in Major League Baseball.
The nickname 'Big Smooth' was given to him by teammates for his easygoing demeanor on the mound.
He was traded from the Oakland Athletics to the San Diego Padres in a deal for All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal.
Pomeranz attended the University of Mississippi, where he was a standout college baseball player.
“Finding my role in the bullpen was the key; I stopped trying to be someone I'm not.”
