Ryan Goins
A defensive specialist whose clutch postseason plays helped end the Toronto Blue Jays' 22-year playoff drought.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball player·Birthday: February 13·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Goins carved out a seven-year major league career not with a thunderous bat, but with a slick glove and a reputation for being in the right place at the right time. Signed by the Toronto Blue Jays out of Dallas Baptist University, he became a fixture at second base and shortstop, valued for his defensive reliability. His legacy in Toronto, however, is cemented by a single, dramatic moment in the 2015 American League Division Series: a diving, run-saving stop and a heads-up, game-ending double play that propelled the Jays toward their first playoff series win in over two decades. After stints with Kansas City and Chicago, he transitioned smoothly into coaching, bringing his infield expertise to the San Diego Padres organization, teaching the next generation the nuances of defense he mastered.
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.
Ryan was born in 1988, 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 Ryan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made a critical, game-saving defensive play in the 11th inning of Game 5 of the 2015 ALDS for the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Played 618 major league games primarily as a middle infielder for three different teams.
- Recorded a .990 fielding percentage at second base during the 2015 season with the Blue Jays.
Did You Know?
He was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 4th round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
In college, he was a teammate of future MLB pitcher Dallas Keuchel at the University of Arkansas before transferring.
He hit his first major league home run off pitcher David Price in 2013.
“I just try to be ready for whatever they need me to do.”
