Luis Valbuena
A versatile and gritty Venezuelan infielder whose infectious joy for baseball and clutch power made him a beloved teammate across five MLB clubs.
1985–2018 (age 33)·Venezuelan baseball player·Birthday: November 30·Millennials
Biography
Luis Valbuena's eleven-year Major League journey was that of a baseball survivor, a player whose value was measured in defensive flexibility, sudden power, and an ever-present smile. Never a full-time starter, he carved out a vital role as a dependable left-handed bat who could play anywhere on the infield dirt. Teams valued his professionalism and knack for timely hits, which led him to wear the uniforms of the Mariners, Indians, Cubs, Astros, and Angels. His best seasons came in Houston, where he surprised many by hitting a career-high 25 home runs in 2015, often punctuating them with a slow, celebratory walk out of the batter's box. Valbuena's career was a testament to the enduring worth of a solid utility player. His life was tragically cut short in a carjacking incident in Venezuela, a loss that sent waves of grief through the baseball world that cherished his spirited approach to the game.
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.
Luis was born in 1985, 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 Luis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Luis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
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
2018Died at 33
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
Key Achievements
- Hit a career-high 25 home runs for the Houston Astros during the 2015 season.
- Played over 900 MLB games across five teams, demonstrating remarkable longevity for a utility player.
- Was a member of the 2015 Houston Astros team that reached the American League Division Series, ending a decade-long playoff drought for the franchise.
Did You Know?
He was known for his exaggerated home run 'strut,' a slow walk he took after hitting a home run.
Valbuena hit two home runs in a single game on his birthday in 2017 while playing for the Los Angeles Angels.
He was a teammate of José Altuve and Dallas Keuchel on the up-and-coming Astros teams of the mid-2010s.
“I just tried to be ready whenever my name was called.”
