Garrett Jones
A late-blooming power hitter who found his major league stride with the Pirates, launching dramatic home runs after years in the minors.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American baseball player·Birthday: June 21·Millennials
Biography
Garrett Jones's baseball journey is a testament to stubborn belief. For nearly a decade, the left-handed slugger languished in the minor leagues, a perennial prospect with raw power who couldn't quite crack a consistent big-league roster. After brief cups of coffee with the Minnesota Twins, he even took his swing to Japan for a season. His breakthrough came unexpectedly at age 28 when the Pittsburgh Pirates, in need of a spark, called him up. He immediately delivered, homering in his first three games and becoming an instant fan favorite at PNC Park with his tape-measure shots. For several seasons, Jones was a middle-of-the-order fixture for the Pirates, providing crucial pop during the team's climb back to competitiveness. His career later included stops in Miami and New York, embodying the classic archetype of the player who refused to let his dream expire.
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.
Garrett was born in 1981, 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 Garrett Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Garrett's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
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
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
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
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Hit a home run in his first three games with the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 2009, tying a modern-era MLB record.
- Hit 21 or more home runs in four consecutive MLB seasons from 2009 to 2012.
- Recorded a career-high 27 home runs and 86 RBIs for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2012 season.
- Played in 145 games for the Miami Marlins in 2014, serving as a primary run producer for a young team.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 14th round of the 1999 MLB Draft straight out of high school.
He played one season in Japan for the Yomiuri Giants in 2008 before his MLB breakout.
He was a two-sport star in high school in Illinois, also playing basketball.
“I kept my bat ready for the call, no matter how long it took.”
