Hank Conger
A first-round draft pick who transformed from a power-hitting catcher into a sought-after coach, bridging MLB and Korean baseball.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball player·Birthday: January 29·Millennials
Biography
Hyun Choi 'Hank' Conger's journey in baseball began with the promise of his powerful bat and defensive skills behind the plate. Selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the first round of 2006, he made his major league debut in 2010, known for his switch-hitting power. His playing career spanned seven seasons with three clubs, where he was valued for his game-calling and rapport with pitchers. After his final season in 2016, he didn't step away from the diamond but instead found a new calling. Conger leveraged his bilingual abilities and sharp baseball mind to coach, first making a notable impact with the Lotte Giants in South Korea's KBO League. His success there paved his way back to the majors as a coach, where he now shapes pitching staffs, his transition from player to instructor marking a second act that many athletes strive for but few achieve so seamlessly.
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.
Hank 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 Hank Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Hank'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
- Selected in the first round (25th overall) by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2006 MLB draft.
- Played in 252 Major League games across seven seasons as a catcher for three different teams.
- Served as a coach for the Lotte Giants in the KBO League, helping to develop their pitching staff.
- Appointed bullpen coach for the Baltimore Orioles in 2025 after a coaching stint with the Minnesota Twins.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Hank' was given to him by his grandfather after the baseball legend Hank Aaron.
He is fluent in both English and Korean.
He was a standout high school player in California, also playing third base and pitching.
“I always wanted to be the guy behind the plate, controlling the game.”
