Josh Phegley
A durable catcher who battled through health challenges to craft a solid MLB career defined by his potent bat against left-handed pitching.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball player·Birthday: February 12·Millennials
Biography
Josh Phegley’s path to the majors was anything but straightforward. A star at Indiana University and a first-round draft pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2009, his trajectory was interrupted by a diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a blood disorder that required the removal of his spleen. He fought back to make his big-league debut in 2013, showcasing a powerful swing from the right side. Traded to the Oakland Athletics, he found his niche as a platoon catcher, often feasting on left-handed pitching. His best season came in 2019, where he set career highs in home runs and RBIs while handling a young pitching staff. Known for his toughness behind the plate and timely hitting, Phegley’s career stands as a story of perseverance in the demanding role of a catcher.
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 1988, 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 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Josh's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
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
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Hit a walk-off grand slam for the Oakland Athletics in 2015, the first by an A's catcher in over 20 years.
- Set career highs with 12 home runs and 62 RBIs during the 2019 season with the Oakland A's.
- Was selected 38th overall by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
- Threw out 35% of would-be base stealers in 2019, ranking among the American League leaders.
Did You Know?
He was a standout high school quarterback in Terre Haute, Indiana, throwing for over 1,000 yards as a senior.
He hit his first major league home run off former Cy Young Award winner David Price.
He and his wife, Megan, are both Indiana University alumni and actively support IU athletics.
He played his final MLB game for his hometown team, the Chicago Cubs, in 2020.
“I just wanted to get back on the field and play baseball again.”
