Lars Nootbaar
A dynamic Cardinals outfielder with a cult following, known for his unique name, plate discipline, and decision to swing for Japan on the international stage.
Born 1997 (age 29)·American baseball player·Birthday: September 8·Generation Z
Biography
Lars Nootbaar's story is one of steady ascent and unique cultural confluence. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, he methodically climbed through the minor leagues, refining a patient hitting approach that stood out in an era of aggressive swings. When he finally secured a regular spot in the majors, he made it count, becoming a reliable and energetic presence in the lineup and outfield. His selective eye at the plate and occasional bursts of power endeared him to Cardinals fans, while his distinctive surname spawned a wave of fan-made merchandise. Of Japanese descent through his mother, Nootbaar made a significant choice to represent Japan in international tournaments like the World Baseball Classic, where he became a key contributor and a symbol of the sport's global reach. His career is a blend of old-school hustle and a very modern, international identity.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Lars was born in 1997, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Lars Was Born
The biggest hits of 1997
#1 Movie
Titanic
Best Picture
Titanic
#1 TV Show
ER
Lars's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1997Born
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2002Started school
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2010Became a teenager
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
2013Could drive
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2015Could vote
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
2018Turned 21
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 29 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became a regular starting outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, posting a high on-base percentage.
- Played a pivotal role for Team Japan, helping them win the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
- Hit his first major league home run off pitcher Trevor Bauer in 2021.
Did You Know?
His mother is Japanese, and he holds citizenship in both the United States and Japan.
He popularized a 'pepper grinder' celebration gesture with the Cardinals, which was adopted by Team Japan.
His last name is of Dutch origin.
He attended the same high school (El Segundo High) as former MLB pitcher Jack McDowell.
“I'm just trying to be a good teammate and help the team win. That's all that really matters.”
