Justin De Fratus
A resilient right-handed reliever who battled through the minors to become a trusted arm in the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen during a transitional era.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American baseball player·Birthday: October 21·Millennials
Biography
Justin De Fratus's baseball journey is a classic tale of organizational perseverance. Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies, he methodically climbed through their farm system, honing a repertoire that featured a sharp slider and a deceptive fastball. His MLB debut in 2011 came during the twilight of the Phillies' golden period, and he soon became a fixture in a bullpen that was often tasked with holding the line for a fading championship core. De Fratus was not a flamethrowing closer, but a reliable middle-inning workhorse, logging over 200 innings across five seasons with a stoic demeanor on the mound. His most effective year came in 2014, where he posted a sub-3.00 ERA and became a go-to option in high-leverage situations. While his time in the majors concluded after a stint with the Seattle Mariners, his career stands as a testament to the value of durability and quiet competence in the demanding world of professional relief pitching.
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.
Justin was born in 1987, 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 Justin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Justin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
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
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#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
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Appeared in 193 games for the Philadelphia Phillies across five Major League seasons.
- Recorded a career-best 2.39 ERA over 52 innings pitched during the 2014 season.
- Struck out 167 batters over his MLB career with the Phillies and Mariners.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Phillies in the 11th round of the 2007 MLB draft out of Ventura College.
He made his MLB debut in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 20, 2011.
After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching within the Phillies' minor league system.
“You have to be ready for the call, even if you've been waiting in the bullpen for hours.”
