Ryan Lavarnway
A cerebral catcher from Yale who authored one of baseball's most unexpected grand slams and later became a pivotal leader for Team Israel on the world stage.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American-Israeli baseball player·Birthday: August 7·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Lavarnway's baseball journey is a story of scholarly pursuit meeting dramatic, if sporadic, major league moments. A graduate of Yale University, where he studied philosophy and was a two-time Ivy League Player of the Year, he brought an intellectual approach to the catcher's position. He signed with the Boston Red Sox and, in September 2012, delivered a performance for the ages: a two-homer, seven-RBI night that included a go-ahead grand slam against the rival New York Yankees. That night became the high-water mark of an MLB career that saw him wear eight different uniforms as a valued backup and mentor. His path found a profound second act with Team Israel. Qualifying through his Jewish heritage, he became a veteran leader and offensive catalyst, helping the team to a stunning sixth-place finish in the 2017 World Baseball Classic and competing in the 2020 Olympics. Lavarnway's impact ultimately transcended his stat line, blending Ivy League smarts with international pride.
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 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 Ryan 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
Ryan'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
- Hit a dramatic go-ahead grand slam for the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees in a critical September 2012 game.
- Was a key player and leader for Team Israel, helping them qualify and compete in the 2017 World Baseball Classic and the 2020 Olympics.
- Named the Ivy League Player of the Year twice while playing baseball at Yale University.
- Played in Major League Baseball for eight different franchises over parts of ten seasons.
Did You Know?
He was the first Yale alumnus to hit a home run in the Major Leagues since 1980.
Lavarnway is fluent in Hebrew, which he learned and used extensively while playing for Team Israel.
At Yale, he majored in philosophy, with a focus on ethics and political philosophy.
“The game is a series of adjustments, and I study every variable.”
