Joey Wendle
A versatile and gritty infielder who carved out a decade-long MLB career with his bare hands, literally eschewing batting gloves for pure feel.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American baseball player·Birthday: April 26·Millennials
Biography
Joey Wendle's path to the majors was a testament to persistence. Drafted in the sixth round out of West Chester University, a Division II school, he was never considered a blue-chip prospect. His breakthrough came in 2016 with the Oakland Athletics, but it was with the Tampa Bay Rays that he truly found his footing. Wendle became the embodiment of the Rays' philosophy: a high-IQ, defensively flexible player who could deliver clutch hits. In 2021, his all-around contributions earned him an All-Star selection, a crowning achievement for a player whose game was built on fundamentals rather than flash. His journey reflects the value of adaptability and old-school grit in the modern game.
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.
Joey was born in 1990, 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 Joey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Joey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected to the American League All-Star team in 2021 as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays.
- Finished fourth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2018 after being traded to the Rays.
- Played every infield position except first base during his Major League career, showcasing exceptional defensive versatility.
Did You Know?
He is one of a very small number of Major League players who consistently hits without wearing batting gloves.
He played college baseball at West Chester University of Pennsylvania, an NCAA Division II school.
He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2012 but was traded to the Oakland Athletics before making his MLB debut.
“I prepare to be ready for any role this team needs.”
