Paul Goldschmidt
A consistently dominant first baseman whose quiet power and sharp eye made him one of baseball's most feared and respected right-handed hitters for over a decade.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American baseball player·Birthday: September 10·Millennials
Biography
Paul Goldschmidt's rise from an eighth-round draft pick to National League MVP is a story of understated excellence. With the Arizona Diamondbacks, he quickly established himself as a middle-of-the-order force, pairing raw power with a disciplined approach that regularly placed him among league leaders in walks and extra-base hits. His game was remarkably complete, complemented by Gold Glove defense at first base and savvy baserunning. A trade to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018 seemed to elevate his status further, as he became the veteran anchor of a perennial contender. In 2022, he put together a career-defining season, capturing the MVP award by leading the Cardinals to a division title. Known for his humility and work ethic as much as his production, Goldschmidt built a Hall of Fame-caliber career through sheer, day-in, day-out reliability.
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.
Paul 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 Paul 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
Paul'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
- Won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 2022 with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- A seven-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger Award winner.
- Has won multiple Gold Glove Awards for his defensive excellence at first base.
Did You Know?
He was drafted in the 49th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers out of high school but chose to attend college instead.
Goldschmidt and his wife, Amy, have twins, a boy and a girl.
He is one of only a handful of players to have a 30-home-run season with two different National League teams (Arizona and St. Louis).
“My swing is built for damage, but my approach is built for the at-bat.”
