Francisco Lindor
A charismatic shortstop with a brilliant glove and infectious joy who became the $341 million face of the New York Mets franchise.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Puerto Rican baseball player·Birthday: November 14·Millennials
Biography
Francisco Lindor plays baseball with a smile that's as recognizable as his defensive wizardry. Hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, he was a first-round draft pick by the Cleveland Indians, quickly ascending to become the heart of their lineup and a four-time All-Star. In Cleveland, he paired Gold Glove defense with switch-hitting power, all while bringing an palpable energy to the field. His trade to the New York Mets in 2021 was a seismic event, followed by a landmark 10-year contract that signaled a new era for the club. In Queens, 'Mr. Smile' embraced the pressure of the big city, aiming to blend his elite two-way play with a leadership style that seeks to elevate everyone around him, determined to deliver a championship to a hungry fanbase.
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.
Francisco was born in 1993, 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 Francisco Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Francisco's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two Gold Glove Awards and two Platinum Glove Awards as the American League's best defensive shortstop.
- Recorded a 30-home run, 30-stolen base season in 2018, joining the exclusive 30-30 club.
- Signed a 10-year, $341 million contract extension with the New York Mets upon his acquisition, one of the largest in MLB history.
- Helped lead Team Puerto Rico to a silver medal in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Mr. Smile' was given to him by a teammate's wife during his minor league days.
He proposed to his wife, Katia Reguero, on the field at Progressive Field in Cleveland after a game.
He is a passionate salsa dancer and has incorporated dance moves into his on-field celebrations.
“I play the game with a smile because I love it. It's as simple as that.”
