Pedro Álvarez (baseball)
A fearsome left-handed slugger whose raw power made him a cornerstone of the Pirates' return to playoff contention in the 2010s.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Dominican baseball player·Birthday: February 6·Millennials
Biography
Pedro Álvarez emerged from the baseball-rich Dominican Republic as a can't-miss prospect, selected second overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2008. His journey to the majors was a story of immense expectation, and for a time, he delivered the thunderous payoff. With a swing built for destruction, Álvarez became the embodiment of the Pirates' resurgence, leading the National League in home runs in 2013 as the team snapped a two-decade playoff drought. His defensive struggles at third base were a constant narrative, but his bat, nicknamed 'El Toro' for its bull-like strength, provided game-changing moments. After his peak in Pittsburgh, he moved into a designated hitter and platoon role, his career a testament to the sheer, marketable force of pure power hitting.
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.
Pedro 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 Pedro 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
Pedro'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
- Led the National League with 36 home runs in 2013.
- Was a key offensive force for the Pittsburgh Pirates during their 2013 playoff berth, ending a 20-year postseason drought.
- Selected as the second overall pick by the Pirates in the 2008 MLB Draft.
- Hit 162 career home runs over eight major league seasons.
Did You Know?
His father, Pedro Álvarez Sr., was a taxi driver who famously drove for 24 hours straight to get his son to a crucial amateur tournament in the United States.
He played college baseball at Vanderbilt University, a powerhouse program.
He shares the nickname 'El Toro' (The Bull) with former MLB star Richie Sexson.
“When I connect, the sound of the bat tells me everything I need to know.”
