Jacob deGrom
A pitcher whose unhittable fastball and surgical command redefined pitching excellence, winning back-to-back Cy Young Awards.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball player·Birthday: June 19·Millennials
Biography
Jacob deGrom's path to baseball dominance was unconventional. A former college shortstop, he didn't focus solely on pitching until after being drafted by the New York Mets. The transition was spectacular. With a fastball that seemed to gain velocity as his outings progressed and a devastating slider, deGrom became the most feared pitcher in the game. His 2018 and 2019 Cy Young Awards were testaments to a rare combination of power and precision, often achieved with minimal run support. Injuries later in his career created frustration, but when healthy, deGrom presented a simple, awe-inspiring sight: a man on the mound, executing pitches at a level few have ever matched.
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.
Jacob 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 Jacob Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jacob'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
Did You Know?
He began his college career at Stetson University as a shortstop, converting to pitcher during his junior year.
deGrom famously cut his flowing long hair before his MLB debut at the request of the Mets.
He recorded his first MLB hit, a two-run single, before recording his first MLB win as a pitcher.
“I'm just trying to go out there and put up zeroes.”
