Scott McGough
A journeyman pitcher whose career arc took him from MLB bullpens to becoming a trusted closer in Japan's major leagues.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American baseball player·Birthday: October 31·Millennials
Biography
Scott McGough's baseball journey is a testament to resilience and global adaptation. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, the right-handed reliever made his MLB debut with the Miami Marlins in 2015, showcasing a sharp splitter. His stateside career saw him shuttle between the majors and minors with several organizations, often in high-leverage relief roles. Seeking stability, McGough pivoted to Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball in 2019, signing with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows. There, he transformed into a dominant force, eventually earning the team's closer role and helping them capture a Japan Series championship. His story is one of reinvention, proving that success can be found on a different continent with a different set of pressures.
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.
Scott was born in 1989, 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 Scott Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Scott's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
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
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a Japan Series championship as a key reliever for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in 2021.
- Recorded 39 saves for the Yakult Swallows in the 2022 NPB season, establishing himself as a premier closer.
- Pitched in Major League Baseball for three different teams: the Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Oakland Athletics.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted as a shortstop by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008 before focusing on pitching.
Played college baseball for the Oregon Ducks after transferring from the University of Hawaii.
His brother, Dustin McGough, was also a professional baseball pitcher.
“A splitter doesn't care what country the batter is from; it just has to drop.”
