Lance McCullers Jr.
A Houston Astros stalwart whose devastating curveball became a signature weapon in the team's rise to championship contention.
Born 1993 (age 33)·American baseball player·Birthday: October 2·Millennials
Biography
Lance McCullers Jr. grew up in baseball, the son of a former major league pitcher, and was drafted straight out of high school by the Houston Astros. His ascent was rapid; by 2015, he was in the big leagues, instantly injecting power and poise into a young rotation. McCullers's calling card was a biting curveball that left hitters flailing, a pitch that defined his All-Star season in 2017. His career, however, has been a narrative of resilience, repeatedly interrupted by arm injuries that required surgeries and lengthy rehabs. Through it all, he remained a central, fiery presence for the Astros, delivering clutch postseason performances that helped secure a World Series title in 2017 and another appearance in 2021, proving his value when the lights shone brightest.
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.
Lance was born in 1993, 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 Lance Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Lance's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
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
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Selected by the Houston Astros in the first round (41st overall) of the 2012 MLB draft.
- Earned an American League All-Star selection in 2017.
- Pitched in four different postseasons for the Astros, including the 2017 World Series championship run.
- Recorded a career-high 13 wins and a 3.16 ERA during his All-Star campaign in 2017.
Did You Know?
His father, Lance McCullers Sr., was also a Major League pitcher who played for the San Diego Padres and others.
He was a high school teammate of fellow MLB pitcher Jose Fernandez.
He is known for his extensive collection of unique and colorful baseball gloves.
“I'm going to throw my best pitch and see if you can hit it.”
