Ryan Noda
A power-hitting first baseman who patiently climbed through the minors, finally breaking into the majors with a keen eye for walks.
Born 1996 (age 30)·American baseball player·Birthday: March 30·Millennials
Biography
Ryan Noda’s path to the big leagues was a testament to persistence and a refined batting approach. Drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he honed his skills in a deep farm system known for developing disciplined hitters. Noda’s calling card became his exceptional ability to draw walks, a skill that finally earned him his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2023. As a rookie, he immediately showcased his power and patience, often serving as a bright spot in a struggling lineup. While his journey has since taken him to other organizations, his breakthrough season demonstrated the value of a hitter who controls the strike zone. Noda’s story is one of a late bloomer who leveraged a specific, valuable skill to carve out his place at the sport’s highest level.
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 1996, 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 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Ryan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
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
2009Became a teenager
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
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#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
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made his MLB debut in 2023 with the Oakland Athletics after being selected in the Rule 5 draft.
- Led all American League rookies in walks during the 2023 season.
- Hit his first major league home run in April 2023 against the Cleveland Guardians.
- Was originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 15th round of the 2017 MLB Draft.
Did You Know?
He played college baseball at the University of Cincinnati.
He was a standout multi-sport athlete in high school, also playing basketball.
His brother, Kevin Noda, was drafted by the New York Mets.
He was traded from the Dodgers to the Athletics for a player to be named later.
“My job is to get on base, to see pitches and control the zone.”
