Jeff McNeil
A bat-control artist nicknamed 'Squirrel' who scrapped his way from a late-round draft pick to a National League batting champion.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American baseball player·Birthday: April 8·Millennials
Biography
Jeff McNeil’s path to big league stardom was anything but linear. Drafted in the 12th round as a college shortstop, he was viewed as a versatile but light-hitting utility prospect. The New York Mets, however, found a hitter who defied modern analytics: a throwback contact specialist who could spray line drives to all fields with a bizarrely effective chopping swing. Embracing the nickname 'Squirrel' for his frantic energy, McNeil’s breakthrough was a masterclass in adaptation. He learned the outfield, second base, and third base, forcing his way into the lineup with sheer bat-to-ball skill. His pinnacle came in 2022, when he silenced doubters by winning the National League batting title, a crown earned not with power but with an almost obsessive precision at the plate.
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.
Jeff was born in 1992, 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 Jeff Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jeff's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
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
1997Started school
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
2005Became a teenager
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
2008Could drive
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
2010Could vote
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
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the National League batting title in 2022 with a .326 average.
- Selected as the starting second baseman for the National League in the 2022 MLB All-Star Game.
- Awarded the Silver Slugger Award at second base following his batting championship season in 2022.
Did You Know?
His nicknames 'Squirrel' and 'Flying Squirrel' were given due to his quick, erratic movements on the field.
He was a walk-on to the baseball team at Long Beach State University.
He is known for using a unique, old-school bat model with a very thin handle.
“I just see the ball and hit it; they can keep their launch angles.”
