Jorge Cantú
A power-hitting infielder who made history by driving in runs in nine consecutive games for the surprising 2005 Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Mexican-American baseball player·Birthday: January 30·Millennials
Biography
Jorge Cantú burst onto the Major League scene not with a whisper, but with a sustained roar of run production. Born in Texas but representing Mexico internationally, the corner infielder announced himself in 2005 with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays by setting an American League record with an RBI in nine straight games. That season, he smashed 28 home runs and drove in 117 runs, establishing himself as a dangerous, free-swinging presence in the middle of the lineup. His bat carried him to a starting role with the Florida Marlins, where he again posted strong offensive numbers. While his defensive limitations and on-base skills eventually made him a role player, Cantú remained a valuable bench bat and clubhouse presence for several more teams. His legacy is that of a pure run-producer, a hitter who, at his peak, seemed to have a magnet in his bat whenever a teammate stood on base, and a proud figure who helped grow baseball's profile in Mexico.
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.
Jorge was born in 1982, 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 Jorge Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jorge's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
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
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
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
2003Turned 21
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
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
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 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Set an American League record in 2005 by recording an RBI in nine consecutive games.
- Drove in 117 runs for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005, one of the highest totals in franchise history.
- Represented Mexico in the World Baseball Classic in multiple tournaments.
- Hit a walk-off home run for the Florida Marlins on Opening Day in 2010.
- Recorded over 100 RBIs in two separate MLB seasons (2005 and 2009).
Did You Know?
His father, Jorge Cantú Sr., was a famous Mexican baseball player and manager.
He was the first Mexican-born player to hit for the cycle in MLB history, accomplishing the feat in 2009.
He played for the Doosan Bears in South Korea's KBO League after his MLB career.
He owns a ranch in Texas where he raises cattle.
“I just tried to put the bat on the ball and drive in runs.”
