Josh Fields (infielder)
A power-hitting infielder who launched a grand slam in his first MLB start, then took his swing to become a star in Japan.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American baseball player·Birthday: December 14·Millennials
Biography
Josh Fields emerged from the baseball-rich state of Oklahoma as a formidable two-sport athlete, also excelling as a quarterback at Oklahoma State University. Choosing diamond over gridiron, he was a first-round draft pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2004, carrying the promise of raw power. He delivered on that promise spectacularly in September 2006, hitting a grand slam in his first major league start—a thunderous announcement of his arrival. Fields secured the White Sox third base job in 2009 and responded with a 23-home run season, showcasing the reliable right-handed pop that defined his game. After MLB stints with the Royals, his journey took a trans-Pacific turn. He signed with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, where he reinvented himself as a consistent and feared slugger in the heart of their lineup, enjoying several productive seasons and embracing a new baseball culture before retiring.
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.
Josh 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 Josh Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Josh'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
- Hit a grand slam in his first Major League start for the Chicago White Sox in 2006.
- Hit 23 home runs as the primary third baseman for the White Sox during the 2009 season.
- Played for the historic Yomiuri Giants in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball, becoming a key power hitter.
- Was a first-round selection (18th overall) by the Chicago White Sox in the 2004 MLB draft.
Did You Know?
He was the starting quarterback for Oklahoma State University before focusing solely on professional baseball.
He and MLB pitcher Aaron Fields are cousins.
In 2009, he was traded from the White Sox to the Kansas City Royals for slugger Mark Teahen.
He hit over 20 home runs in a season for both an MLB team (White Sox) and an NPB team (Yomiuri Giants).
“I was brought up to hit the ball hard and play the game the right way.”
