Pedro Strop
A fiery relief pitcher whose electric slider and signature crooked cap became a beloved fixture during the Chicago Cubs' historic championship era.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Dutch-Dominican baseball player·Birthday: June 13·Millennials
Biography
Pedro Strop won the 2016 World Series with the Chicago Cubs, ending a 108-year championship drought. Acquired in a 2013 trade, he formed a formidable late-inning bridge to closer Hector Rondon and later Aroldis Chapman. His high-velocity sinker and devastating slider carved out a key role in the Baltimore Orioles bullpen. Originally signed by the Colorado Rockies as a shortstop, he transitioned to relief pitcher. His perpetually tilted cap and emotional intensity defined his tenure. Final seasons saw him bounce between teams, but Cubs fans remember him as a heart-and-soul contributor.
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 1985, 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 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Pedro's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
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
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
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
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2016 World Series as a key member of the Chicago Cubs bullpen.
- Posted a sub-3.00 ERA in four separate seasons with the Chicago Cubs between 2013 and 2019.
- Appeared in over 60 games in a season five times, demonstrating remarkable durability as a reliever.
Did You Know?
He was originally signed as a shortstop and converted to pitching while in the minor leagues.
Strop holds dual citizenship from the Dominican Republic and the Netherlands, qualifying through his wife.
His signature crooked cap became a recognizable trademark throughout his career.
“My job is simple: get the ball, throw the ball, get the next guy out.”
