Justin Smoak
A powerful switch-hitting first baseman whose patient approach and home run surge made him a key figure in the Toronto Blue Jays' 2015 playoff run.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American baseball player·Birthday: December 5·Millennials
Biography
Justin Smoak's baseball journey was one of high expectations, adjustment, and eventual fulfillment. Drafted 11th overall by the Texas Rangers in 2008, he was a central piece in a major trade to the Seattle Mariners, burdened with the label of 'can't-miss' prospect. For years, his production was inconsistent, a struggle for a hitter with such obvious raw power from both sides of the plate. His career found its purpose in Toronto. Signed by the Blue Jays, Smoak transformed into an All-Star in 2017, harnessing his patient eye to draw walks and finally unleashing the home run frequency scouts had long predicted. His calm, steady presence at first base and in the middle of the lineup provided crucial stability for a contending team, culminating in a memorable role in the 2015 and 2016 postseason campaigns.
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 1986, 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 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Justin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
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
2007Turned 21
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
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected as an American League All-Star in 2017 while with the Toronto Blue Jays, hitting 38 home runs that season.
- Won a Gold Glove Award in 2017, recognizing him as the best defensive first baseman in the American League.
- Hit a pivotal three-run home run in Game 2 of the 2015 American League Division Series, helping the Blue Jays advance.
- Played ten seasons in Major League Baseball for five different teams, amassing over 200 career home runs.
Did You Know?
He was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school in South Carolina, also playing basketball at a high level.
His walk-up song for several seasons with the Blue Jays was 'The Stroke' by Billy Squier.
He played one season in Japan for the Yomiuri Giants after his MLB career.
He and his wife Kristin are actively involved in charitable work, particularly supporting the Children's Miracle Network.
“A good swing is about simplifying, not overthinking.”
