Jason Heyward
A cornerstone right fielder whose defensive brilliance and clubhouse leadership were instrumental in breaking a historic championship curse.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American baseball player·Birthday: August 9·Millennials
Biography
Jason Heyward arrived in Major League Baseball with the weight of 'next big thing' expectations, a physically imposing prospect for the Atlanta Braves whose powerful swing produced a memorable home run on his very first pitch. While his offensive output sometimes sparked debate, his value was never in doubt for those who watched him redefine the art of right field defense. With a cannon for an arm and preternatural instincts, he turned doubles into outs and saved countless runs, earning multiple Gold Gloves. His career found its ultimate purpose with the Chicago Cubs. After signing a major contract, his 2016 season at the plate was considered a disappointment, but his legacy was cemented in a rain delay. With the team facing a potential collapse in Game 7 of the World Series, Heyward delivered a passionate, galvanizing speech to his teammates, a moment credited with steadying the club and propelling them to their first title in 108 years. His tenure became a testament to leadership that transcends statistics.
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 1989, 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 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
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
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a World Series championship with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, ending a 108-year drought.
- A five-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner for his defensive excellence in right field.
- Finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2010 after a standout debut season.
- Was selected to the MLB All-Star team in 2010.
Did You Know?
He hit a home run on the first pitch of his first MLB at-bat in 2010.
He was drafted out of high school with the 14th overall pick in the 2007 MLB draft.
He is known by the nickname 'J-Hey', a play on his last name and the phrase 'J-Hey' used for a great defensive play.
He won a Fielding Bible Award in 2015, which recognizes the best defensive player at each position.
“I hit a home run on the first pitch I saw in the big leagues.”
