Mat Latos
A fiery and talented right-handed pitcher who, at his peak, was one of the most dominant and intimidating starters in the National League.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American baseball player·Birthday: December 9·Millennials
Biography
Mat Latos burst onto the MLB scene with a swagger that matched his electric stuff. Drafted by the San Diego Padres, he quickly became their ace, pairing a mid-90s fastball with a sharp slider and an intensity that fueled him. In 2010, his first full season, he posted a sub-2.90 ERA and looked like a future Cy Young contender. Traded to Cincinnati, he formed a formidable one-two punch with Johnny Cueto, helping the Reds to two playoff appearances. Latos's peak was brilliant but abbreviated; his all-out delivery and a series of knee and elbow injuries began to take a toll. He became a baseball nomad in his late 20s, pitching for seven teams in his final four seasons. His career arc serves as a reminder of the fragile line between sustained dominance and the physical demands placed on a power pitcher.
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.
Mat was born in 1987, 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 Mat Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Mat's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
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
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
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
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Finished 8th in National League Cy Young Award voting in 2010 after posting a 2.92 ERA for the Padres.
- Was the opening day starter for the Cincinnati Reds in both 2013 and 2014.
- Pitched in the MLB playoffs with the Reds (2012, 2013) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2015).
- Recorded over 200 strikeouts in a season twice (2010 with San Diego, 2013 with Cincinnati).
Did You Know?
He was traded three times in a 12-month span between 2014 and 2015.
He is an avid bow hunter and outdoorsman.
He famously had a pet boa constrictor named "Ralph" during his time with the Padres.
“I pitch with an edge; that's just who I am.”
