Jackie Bradley Jr.
A defensive wizard whose breathtaking catches in center field became a signature of the Boston Red Sox's championship era.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American baseball player·Birthday: April 19·Millennials
Biography
Jackie Bradley Jr. emerged from the University of South Carolina as a can't-miss prospect, his defensive prowess immediately turning heads. While his bat could be inconsistent, his glove in center field was a constant source of awe, earning him the nickname 'JBJ' and a Gold Glove. His tenure with the Boston Red Sox cemented his legacy, as his spectacular plays became a staple of their 2018 World Series run. Beyond the highlight reels, he was a steady clubhouse presence, respected for his work ethic. After his time in Boston, he brought his veteran savvy to several other clubs before exploring new chapters in baseball media and alternative leagues.
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.
Jackie was born in 1990, 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 Jackie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jackie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a Gold Glove Award in 2018 as the American League's best defensive center fielder.
- Was a key member of the Boston Red Sox team that won the 2018 World Series.
- Earned an All-Star selection in 2016, a season where he also had a 29-game hitting streak.
- Won the ALCS MVP award in 2018 after a series of clutch performances against the Houston Astros.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the supplemental first round of the 2011 MLB Draft.
In college, he won the 2010 College World Series Most Outstanding Player award with South Carolina.
His walk-up song for several seasons with the Red Sox was 'Your Love' by The Outfield.
“My job is to catch everything in the outfield; the rest is just details.”
