Jarrod Parker
A pitching prodigy whose immense promise was tragically derailed by two devastating elbow injuries, cutting short what many believed was a future ace's career.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball player·Birthday: November 24·Millennials
Biography
Jarrod Parker’s baseball story is a poignant 'what if.' Drafted 9th overall out of an Indiana high school in 2007, he was immediately anointed as a future cornerstone of the Arizona Diamondbacks' rotation. His right arm possessed a powerful, lively fastball and a sharp slider that made him one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. After being traded to the Oakland Athletics, he seemed to be fulfilling that destiny, posting a solid 3.47 ERA in his first full MLB season in 2012 and starting a playoff game. Then, the injuries struck. He underwent his first Tommy John surgery in 2009. After a strong comeback, he required a second Tommy John procedure in 2014. The comeback from that second surgery never materialized; he faced further setbacks, including a fractured elbow during a minor league rehab assignment in 2016. That injury effectively ended his playing career, closing the book on a talent that shone brightly but far too briefly.
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.
Jarrod 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 Jarrod Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jarrod'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 9th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round of the 2007 MLB Draft.
- Pitched in the 2012 American League Division Series for the Oakland Athletics as a rookie starter.
- Finished 5th in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2012 after posting a 13-8 record with a 3.47 ERA.
- Was consistently ranked among the top 20 prospects in all of baseball prior to his MLB debut.
Did You Know?
He was drafted directly from Norwell High School in Ossian, Indiana.
He was a key piece in the trade that sent Trevor Cahill from Oakland to Arizona in 2011.
He underwent Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery twice in his career.
His final professional pitching appearance was in a minor league rehab game in 2016.
“The mound was my place, and I fought for it every time.”
