Josh Hader
A left-handed relief pitcher whose devastating slider and high-velocity fastball have redefined the role of the modern closer.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American baseball pitcher·Birthday: April 7·Millennials
Biography
Josh Hader doesn't just enter a baseball game; he brings a tempest with him. The Maryland-born lefty, with his distinctive long hair and intense mound presence, rapidly ascended from a Milwaukee Brewers prospect to the most feared reliever of his era. His arsenal is simple and brutal: a fastball that seems to jump on hitters and a slider that dives away from right-handers with wicked, late movement. Hader's dominance is statistical and visceral, often called upon for multi-inning saves that crush opposing rallies. His run with the Brewers, including a historic stretch where he seemed untouchable, earned him multiple Reliever of the Year awards and All-Star selections. A subsequent trade to San Diego and then free agency to Houston confirmed his status as a premium weapon, the kind of pitcher who changes the calculus of the late innings every time he warms up.
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 1994, 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 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Josh's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
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
2012Could vote
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
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the National League Reliever of the Year Award three times (2018, 2019, 2021).
- Selected as an MLB All-Star six consecutive times from 2018 to 2023.
- Recorded a staggering 161 strikeouts in just 81 innings pitched during the 2019 season.
- Pitched a combined no-hitter with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2021, throwing the final three innings.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 19th round in 2012 but did not sign.
Hader is known for his unique, cross-fire delivery that adds deception to his pitches.
He and his wife named their son Lucas, after Star Wars character Luke Skywalker.
“I just want to go out there and dominate. That's the only thing on my mind.”
