Mark Teahen
A versatile and powerful hitter who was a cornerstone of the Royals' rebuild and later became a dual citizen playing for Team Canada.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American-Canadian baseball player·Birthday: September 6·Millennials
Biography
Mark Teahen arrived in Kansas City as a key piece in the trade that sent Carlos Beltrán to Houston, immediately becoming a symbol of the Royals' hopeful future. With a smooth left-handed swing and surprising athleticism for his size, he was a fan favorite at Kauffman Stadium, capable of playing almost anywhere on the field. His best season in 2006 saw him hit .290 with 18 home runs, providing a glimpse of the potential that made him a first-round draft pick. While his career trajectory shifted after a trade to the Chicago White Sox, Teahen embraced a unique international chapter. Through his Canadian-born father, he gained citizenship and proudly represented Team Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic and the 2011 Pan American Games, adding a distinctive layer to his professional story as a hard-nosed, adaptable ballplayer.
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.
Mark was born in 1981, 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 Mark Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Mark's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
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
1997Could drive
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
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
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
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Finished 4th in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2005 after hitting .246 with 7 home runs for the Royals.
- Hit a career-high 18 home runs and 69 RBIs for the Kansas City Royals in the 2006 season.
- Represented Team Canada in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
- Played five different defensive positions (third base, right field, left field, first base, second base) during his MLB career.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted as a third baseman but played significant time in the outfield and at first base.
He is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada.
He was traded from the Oakland Athletics to the Kansas City Royals in a three-team deal that involved All-Star Carlos Beltrán.
After baseball, he co-founded a business involved in athletic performance and recovery technology.
“I just wanted to be the guy you could count on, anywhere on the field.”
