Kenley Jansen
A relief pitcher who transformed the cutter into a weapon of mass destruction, becoming one of the most dominant closers of his generation.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Curaçaoan baseball player·Birthday: September 30·Millennials
Biography
Kenley Jansen’s journey to Major League Baseball stardom is a story of radical reinvention. Born in Curaçao, he was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a catcher, a position where his powerful arm was an asset but his bat lagged. In 2009, the Dodgers made a pivotal decision, converting him to a pitcher. The move unlocked a phenomenon. Jansen developed a devastating cut fastball, a pitch that seemed to defy physics as it darted in on the hands of right-handed hitters with violent, late movement. He seized the closer's role for the Dodgers and for over a decade, his entrance to the ominous notes of "California Love" signaled impending doom for opponents. While his heart and his most iconic saves belong to Los Angeles, where he helped secure a long-awaited World Series title in 2020, his career has been a testament to longevity, adapting his style as velocity waned but his competitive fire burned undimmed for Atlanta, Boston, and beyond.
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.
Kenley 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 Kenley 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
Kenley'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
- Recorded over 400 career saves, placing him among the top ten closers in MLB history.
- Won the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
- Earned four All-Star selections and twice led the National League in saves.
- Holds the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record for career saves.
Did You Know?
He was originally a professional catcher in the Dodgers' minor league system before converting to pitcher.
His cutter is famously inspired by watching New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera.
He has represented the Netherlands national team in the World Baseball Classic, owing to his Curaçaoan heritage.
He underwent a second heart ablation procedure in 2018 to address an irregular heartbeat, an issue he has managed throughout his career.
“I want to be the last guy on the mound. That’s the mentality you have to have as a closer.”
