Jason Kipnis
A fiery, homegrown All-Star second baseman whose clutch hitting and gritty play embodied the heart of Cleveland's 2016 pennant-winning team.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American baseball player·Birthday: April 3·Millennials
Biography
Jason Kipnis arrived in Cleveland as a converted outfielder and left as a franchise pillar. Drafted by the Indians in 2009, he quickly established himself as a hard-nosed, emotional leader at second base, making two All-Star teams in his first five seasons. Kipnis wasn't the flashiest player, but he was consistently productive, combining gap power, smart baserunning, and reliable defense. His peak coincided with the team's resurgence, and he delivered some of the most iconic moments of the 2016 postseason, including a game-tying home run in Game 4 of the World Series. Playing through injuries and slumps, he represented a blue-collar ethos that resonated deeply with Cleveland fans. After a decade with the club, his final seasons included a bittersweet return to his hometown Chicago Cubs, closing the book on a career defined by big hits and even bigger heart.
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 1987, 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 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jason's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
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
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was a two-time American League All-Star selection (2013, 2015) as a member of the Cleveland Indians.
- Played a central role in the Indians' 2016 American League championship, hitting .290 in the postseason.
- Recorded a 30-game hitting streak in 2015, the longest in the American League that season.
- Won a Silver Slugger Award in 2013 after batting .284 with 17 home runs and 84 runs batted in.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted as an outfielder but was converted to a second baseman in the minor leagues.
In college, he transferred from the University of Kentucky to Arizona State University, where he became an All-American.
He hit a dramatic, game-tying home run in the 8th inning of Game 4 of the 2016 World Series.
He grew up in Northbrook, Illinois, as a fan of the Chicago Cubs, the team he later played for.
“I want to be remembered as a guy who left it all on the field every single night.”
