Matt Adams
A powerful, left-handed slugger nicknamed 'Big City' who delivered key hits and memorable home runs for the St. Louis Cardinals over multiple seasons.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball player·Birthday: August 31·Millennials
Biography
Matt Adams embodied the classic baseball archetype: the burly, left-handed power hitter who could change a game with one swing. Drafted in the 23rd round out of Division II Slippery Rock University, he defied expectations from the start, mashing his way through the minors with sheer brute force. His arrival in St. Louis was perfectly timed, as he became a vital piece of the Cardinals' lineup during their perennial playoff runs in the early 2010s. Adams's imposing presence at the plate, and his aptly earned nickname 'Big City', made him a fan favorite. He had a particular knack for delivering in big moments, most famously launching a dramatic three-run homer off Clayton Kershaw in the 2014 NLDS, a swing that cemented his place in Cardinals lore. While injuries and the rise of other players led to a journeyman second half of his career, his time in St. Louis was marked by clutch performances and the constant threat of a ball disappearing into the seats.
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.
Matt was born in 1988, 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 Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
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 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Hit a pivotal three-run home run off Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw in Game 4 of the 2014 NLDS, propelling St. Louis to the NLCS.
- Played in the World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013, though the team fell to the Boston Red Sox.
- Recorded a career-high 111 hits and 17 home runs during the 2014 season as a regular contributor for the Cardinals.
- Finished his career with 96 total home runs across 10 MLB seasons.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Big City' was given to him by a minor league teammate for his large frame and rural Pennsylvania roots.
He was drafted as a catcher but transitioned to first base professionally.
In 2017, while with the Braves, he learned to play left field to get more at-bats, showing his team-first attitude.
He hit his first major league home run off San Francisco's Ryan Vogelsong in 2012.
“I'm a big guy who tries to hit the ball hard and drive in runs.”
