Hunter Pence
With his unorthodox swing and infectious zeal, he became the emotional heartbeat of two unlikely San Francisco championship runs.
Born 1983 (age 43)·American baseball player·Birthday: April 13·Millennials
Biography
Hunter Pence never looked like a classic baseball star. His swing was a whirlwind of moving parts, his throws from right field arrived on unpredictable trajectories, and his running style was uniquely frantic. Yet, this very idiosyncrasy made him a fan favorite and a crucial clubhouse force. After establishing himself as a reliable hitter in Houston and Philadelphia, he found his destiny in San Francisco. Acquired mid-season in 2012, Pence's fiery, all-out play and impassioned speeches—most notably a dugout rant that went viral—galvanized the Giants. He became a talisman, driving in key runs and providing relentless energy as they captured World Series titles in 2012 and 2014. His later career, including a remarkable All-Star comeback with Texas, was a testament to his work ethic and enduring love for the game's daily grind.
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.
Hunter was born in 1983, 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 Hunter Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Hunter's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
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
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
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
2004Turned 21
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
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
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 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two World Series championships with the San Francisco Giants in 2012 and 2014, playing a key role in both postseason runs.
- Selected as a National League All-Star four times (2009, 2011, 2014, 2019).
- Recorded over 1,700 career hits and 250 home runs across 14 Major League seasons.
- Won the MLB's Roberto Clemente Award in 2018 for his character, community involvement, and philanthropy.
Did You Know?
He is known for his extremely meticulous and superstitious pre-game routine, which includes a specific set of stretches and movements.
His nickname, 'The Reverend,' originated from a teammate who said Pence gave 'sermons' during team meetings.
He was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002 but did not sign, choosing to attend junior college instead.
He is an avid gamer and has participated in professional 'League of Legends' events and charity streams.
“You have to enjoy the little things in the game. You have to enjoy the process.”
