Justin Masterson
A towering pitcher whose devastating sinker became one of baseball's most effective and groundball-inducing weapons.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American baseball player·Birthday: March 22·Millennials
Biography
Justin Masterson's journey from San Diego State to the major leagues was a rapid ascent, his 6'6" frame and signature pitch making an immediate impact with the Boston Red Sox. His career was defined by that heavy, sinking fastball, a pitch that seemed to defy physics as it dove toward the dirt, generating a cascade of weak groundouts. While his time in Boston was brief, he found his most consistent success in Cleveland, where he evolved into an All-Star workhorse and a respected clubhouse presence. Arm troubles later challenged his effectiveness, leading to stints in St. Louis and a final return to Boston, but his legacy remains that of a pitcher who mastered a single, overwhelming tool to dominate hitters for a memorable stretch.
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 1985, 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 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Justin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
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
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected to the American League All-Star team in 2013 as a member of the Cleveland Indians.
- Finished fourth in the American League with 216 strikeouts during the 2013 season.
- Pitched a complete-game, three-hit shutout against the Chicago White Sox in April 2013.
- Recorded a career-best 3.45 ERA over 193 innings pitched in the 2011 season.
Did You Know?
He was born in Jamaica and moved to the United States as a child.
He was originally drafted by the Red Sox as a compensation pick for the loss of free agent Johnny Damon.
He and his wife, Meryl, are devout Christians and have been involved in missionary work.
He pitched for Team USA in the 2011 Baseball World Cup, winning a silver medal.
“My sinker is my identity; let them hit it into the ground.”
