Jake Faria
A right-handed pitcher whose promising MLB start with the Rays featured a dazzling debut streak before injuries reshaped his journey.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American baseball player·Birthday: July 30·Millennials
Biography
Jake Faria's major league story is one of a brilliant flash followed by a determined grind. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011, the California native worked his way up the farm system with a deceptive delivery and a sharp changeup. His 2017 debut was sensational; he won his first five decisions, tying a modern-era record, and instantly looked like a rotation cornerstone. That initial success, however, was met with the harsh realities of professional sports: oblique and abdominal injuries derailed his momentum. Faria became a journeyman, taking the mound for the Brewers, Diamondbacks, and Red Sox in subsequent years, often working out of the bullpen. His career became a testament to adaptability, as he fought to refine his arsenal and contribute in new roles, showcasing the resilience required to stay in the game at its highest level.
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.
Jake was born in 1993, 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 Jake Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jake's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
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
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
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
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
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 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won his first five MLB decisions in 2017, tying a modern-era record for a pitcher to begin his career.
- Pitched 6.2 scoreless innings with 9 strikeouts in his electrifying MLB debut against the Chicago White Sox in June 2017.
- Appeared in 97 major league games across four different American League teams.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 38th round in 2010 but did not sign, choosing to attend community college instead.
In his MLB debut, he set a Rays franchise record for most strikeouts in a debut game.
He is of Portuguese descent on his father's side.
“You have to attack the strike zone; this game will find your doubts.”
