Julio Urías
A left-handed pitching prodigy whose early World Series heroics were tragically overshadowed by off-field controversies.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Mexican baseball player·Birthday: August 12·Millennials
Biography
Julio Urías's baseball story is one of dazzling promise and profound downfall. Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of Mexico as a 16-year-old, he was immediately pegged as a future ace, his precocious talent drawing comparisons to countryman Fernando Valenzuela. He debuted in the majors at just 19, his poised mound presence belying his age. His defining moment came in 2020, when he recorded the final out of the World Series, clinching the championship for the Dodgers and becoming a national hero in Mexico. The following seasons saw him deliver on his potential, leading the National League in wins in 2021 and in ERA in 2022, establishing himself as a true frontline starter. However, his career unraveled following multiple arrests for domestic violence allegations in 2023. Placed on administrative leave and eventually becoming a free agent, his once-bright future in professional baseball remains in severe doubt, marking a stark and cautionary turn.
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.
Julio was born in 1996, 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 Julio Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Julio's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
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
2009Became a teenager
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
2012Could drive
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
2014Could vote
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
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Recorded the final out of the 2020 World Series, securing the championship for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Led the National League in wins (20) during the 2021 season.
- Led the National League in earned run average (2.16) during the 2022 season.
- Was named to the All-MLB Second Team in both 2021 and 2022.
Did You Know?
He made his MLB debut at the age of 19 years, 289 days, pitching for the Dodgers against the New York Mets.
His nickname, 'El Culichi', refers to someone from Culiacán, his hometown in Sinaloa, Mexico.
He was originally signed by the Dodgers for a reported $450,000 bonus in 2012.
In 2021, he became the first Mexican-born pitcher to win 20 games in a season since 1986.
“I had the talent, but I lost my way.”
