Michael Baze
A rising star in American horse racing whose life and promising career were tragically cut short in his prime.
1987–2011 (age 24)·American jockey·Birthday: April 14·Millennials
Biography
Michael Baze won the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in 2005, a debut that announced his arrival on the national stage. He came from a racing family; his uncle is Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze. On the Southern California circuit, Baze became a consistent winner, showing tactical skill and a sharp connection with his mounts. But personal struggles and substance abuse led to suspensions. In 2011, at age 24, he was found dead in his vehicle at Churchill Downs. The end was sudden, a stark close to a career of immense promise.
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.
Michael 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 Michael 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
Michael'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
2011Died at 24
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
Key Achievements
- Won the 2005 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey.
- Secured his first Grade I stakes victory aboard River's Prayer in the 2007 La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita.
- Rode over 950 winners during his abbreviated career, amassing earnings in excess of $32 million.
- Was the leading rider at the 2007 Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park.
Did You Know?
He was the nephew of Russell Baze, North America's winningest jockey by number of victories.
He won the first race of his career at the age of 16 aboard a horse named Sleek and Strong.
His father, Mike Baze, was also a jockey and later a trainer.
He once won four consecutive races in a single day at Hollywood Park in 2007.
“You learn the horse beneath you, and then you ask for everything it has.”
