LaMonte Wade Jr.
A clutch-hitting first baseman nicknamed 'Late Night' for his dramatic, game-changing performances in the final innings.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American baseball player·Birthday: January 1·Millennials
Biography
LaMonte Wade Jr. carved out a vital role in the majors not as an everyday superstar, but as a specialist in high-pressure moments. Drafted by the Twins, he found his true calling with the San Francisco Giants, where his elite plate discipline and knack for late-game heroics made him a fan favorite. Manager Gabe Kapler deployed him strategically, often saving him to face right-handed pitchers in crucial spots, and Wade delivered with a remarkable frequency. His 2021 season became the stuff of legend in San Francisco, as he repeatedly delivered walk-off hits and key late-inning RBIs, embodying the gritty, overachieving spirit of a team that won 107 games. While injuries have challenged him, his reputation as a poised and pesky hitter in the clutch remains firmly intact.
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.
LaMonte was born in 1994, 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 LaMonte Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
LaMonte's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
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
2015Turned 21
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
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Posted a stunning .394 batting average with two outs and runners in scoring position during the 2021 season.
- Was a key contributor to the 2021 San Francisco Giants team that won a franchise-record 107 games.
- Led all Major League hitters in pitches seen per plate appearance (4.48) during the 2022 season, showcasing elite discipline.
- Recorded 18 go-ahead RBIs in the 8th inning or later in 2021, the most in a single season in the last 25 years.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Late Night LaMonte' was coined by Giants broadcaster Duane Kuiper during his 2021 season of clutch hits.
He played college baseball at the University of Maryland, where he was a teammate of current MLB pitcher Brandon Lowe.
Wade was originally drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 9th round of the 2015 MLB Draft.
He is known for his meticulous pre-game routine and study of opposing pitchers.
“They call me 'Late Night LaMonte' for a reason.”
