Jorge Polanco
A switch-hitting infielder with a quiet consistency, Polanco evolved from prospect to All-Star anchor in Minnesota.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Dominican baseball player·Birthday: July 5·Millennials
Biography
Jorge Polanco's baseball story is one of steady, understated ascent. Signed by the Minnesota Twins as a 16-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic, he moved methodically through their farm system, his switch-hitting bat always promising more power to come. He debuted in the majors in 2014 but truly claimed his place in 2017, becoming the Twins' everyday shortstop. The following seasons revealed his full potential: a smooth, reliable defender who could hit for average from both sides of the plate and, unexpectedly, for growing power. His breakout 2019 campaign, which ended with an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award, saw him become the offensive engine for a Twins team that smashed the MLB record for home runs. After establishing himself as a franchise cornerstone in Minnesota, his journey continued with trades to Seattle and then to New York, where his veteran presence and professional at-bats remain valuable assets.
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 1993, 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 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Jorge's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
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
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as an American League All-Star in 2019 after a first-half where he led the league in hits.
- Won the Silver Slugger Award for shortstops in 2019, hitting .295 with 22 home runs and 40 doubles.
- Became the Minnesota Twins' primary starting shortstop in 2017, holding the position for five seasons.
- Hit the first postseason grand slam in Twins history during the 2019 AL Division Series against the New York Yankees.
Did You Know?
He was one of the players suspended in 2018 for testing positive for a banned substance, serving an 80-game suspension.
Polanco was originally signed by the Twins for a $750,000 bonus, a significant sum at the time.
In 2019, he and teammate Nelson Cruz became the first Dominican duo to hit 20+ home runs each in the first half of a season.
He transitioned from shortstop to second base upon joining the Seattle Mariners in 2024.
“I just try to be ready every day and do my job.”
