Raisel Iglesias
A Cuban defector who transformed himself from a starter into one of baseball's most dominant and durable late-inning relievers.
Born 1990 (age 36)·Cuban baseball player·Birthday: January 4·Millennials
Biography
Raisel Iglesias's journey to the mound in Atlanta began on the dirt fields of Cuba and involved a perilous gamble for freedom. A standout starter for the national team, he defected in 2013, leaving his homeland behind to chase a Major League dream. The Cincinnati Reds saw his potential, signing him to a $27 million deal. His early years were a mix of flashes of brilliance and injury frustrations as a starter. Then, in 2019, a move to the bullpen unlocked his destiny. With a deceptive delivery and a devastating mix of fastball and slider, he became a shutdown closer. A trade to the Los Angeles Angels solidified his reputation, where he racked up saves with calm efficiency. His career reached its pinnacle with the Atlanta Braves, where he became the linchpin of a World Series-winning bullpen in 2021, his fiery celebrations a testament to a long and unlikely road to the top of the sport.
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.
Raisel was born in 1990, 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 Raisel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Raisel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
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
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
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
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
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
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, serving as their primary setup man.
- Recorded 34 saves in 2022, earning his first career All-Star selection with the Atlanta Braves.
- Finished in the top 10 for the National League Reliever of the Year Award in both 2021 and 2022.
Did You Know?
He defected from Cuba during a tournament in the United States, staying behind after his team left.
Iglesias initially signed with the Reds as a starting pitcher before finding his true calling in the bullpen.
His brother, Yariel, is also a professional baseball player who pitched in Cuba's Serie Nacional.
“When I take the ball in the ninth, the game is over.”
