Jason Bergmann
A reliable right-handed pitcher who carved out a seven-year major league career through perseverance and a sharp slider.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American baseball player·Birthday: September 25·Millennials
Biography
Jason Bergmann's path in professional baseball is a testament to the grind. A standout at Rutgers University, he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in 2002 and made his way to the big leagues with the relocated Washington Nationals by 2005. Not a flamethrower, Bergmann relied on command and a biting slider to get outs, often working in long relief and making spot starts. His finest season came in 2007, where he strung together several brilliant starts, including a near-no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves that was broken up in the eighth inning. He bounced between the majors and minors, facing the constant pressure to perform, before concluding his playing career after the 2012 season. Bergmann's career embodies the journey of countless professional athletes: full of talent, marked by flashes of brilliance, and defined by daily resilience.
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.
Jason was born in 1981, 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 Jason Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
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
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Pitched 8.0 innings of no-hit baseball for the Washington Nationals against the Atlanta Braves on May 18, 2007, before allowing a hit in the 8th inning.
- Appeared in 167 Major League games over seven seasons, primarily with the Washington Nationals.
- Posted a career-best 2.76 ERA across 13 starts for the Washington Nationals during the 2007 season.
- Was a standout collegiate pitcher at Rutgers University, leading to his selection in the 11th round of the MLB draft.
Did You Know?
He grew up in Manalapan Township, New Jersey, and was a star pitcher at Manalapan High School.
After retiring, he worked as a pitching coach in the Washington Nationals' minor league system.
He majored in Criminal Justice while attending Rutgers University.
In his near-no-hitter in 2007, the first hit he allowed was a double by the Braves' Willie Harris.
“You show up every day, execute your pitches, and control what you can.”
