Manny Parra
A left-handed pitcher whose career was a testament to resilience, battling injuries to deliver memorable performances for the Brewers and Reds.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American baseball player·Birthday: October 30·Millennials
Biography
Manny Parra's path to the mound was carved from raw talent and dogged perseverance. Drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers, the lanky left-hander from California worked his way through the minors, his promise finally realized in 2008 when he secured a full-time rotation spot. That season, he notched a 10-8 record, showcasing a sharp slider that baffled hitters. His career, however, became a narrative of adaptation. Recurring shoulder issues and bouts of inconsistency led him from starter to reliever, a transition where he found new life with a deceptive changeup. After Milwaukee, his tenure with the Cincinnati Reds saw him become a reliable lefty specialist out of the bullpen. Parra's story isn't one of unblemished stardom, but of a craftsman who retooled his game repeatedly to extend his time at the sport's highest level, earning respect for his unwavering work ethic.
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.
Manny was born in 1982, 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 Manny Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Manny's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
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
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
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
2003Turned 21
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
2012Turned 30
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
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Pitched a career-high 166 innings for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2009, demonstrating durability as a starting pitcher.
- Recorded a 3.52 ERA over 46 relief appearances for the Cincinnati Reds in 2014, a career-best mark.
- Struck out 147 batters in the 2008 season, his highest single-season total in Major League Baseball.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted as a position player (an outfielder) in the 26th round of the 1999 draft before being redrafted as a pitcher.
Parra is an accomplished pianist, having played since childhood.
He and his wife have twins, a boy and a girl.
“You fight through the rough outings; that's the only way to stay.”
