Stephen Strasburg
A pitcher whose electric arm carried a franchise from its first draft pick to its ultimate baseball pinnacle, the World Series title.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American baseball pitcher·Birthday: July 20·Millennials
Biography
Stephen Strasburg arrived in Washington burdened with the label 'once-in-a-generation,' a hype that threatened to crush any ordinary prospect. He lived up to it instantly, striking out 14 batters in a mesmerizing MLB debut. His career became a narrative of sublime talent in a constant duel with his own body, undergoing Tommy John surgery and managing persistent arm issues. Through it all, when he took the mound, he was the Nationals' gravitational center. The apex came in 2019: battling through physical pain, he dominated the postseason, winning five games and delivering the World Series MVP performance that finally brought a championship to Washington, fulfilling the promise of his very first day.
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.
Stephen 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 Stephen Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Stephen'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
- Was selected first overall by the Washington Nationals in the 2009 MLB draft.
- Struck out 14 Pittsburgh Pirates in his celebrated MLB debut on June 8, 2010.
- Led the National League in strikeouts with 242 during the 2014 season.
- Was named the 2019 World Series MVP after going 5-0 in the postseason for the champion Nationals.
- Signed a seven-year, $245 million contract with the Nationals in 2019, at the time a record for a pitcher.
Did You Know?
He played college baseball at San Diego State University, where he was coached by Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.
In his debut, the last seven outs he recorded were all strikeouts.
He and his wife donated $100,000 to the Nationals' minor league players during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
He was a two-time All-American in college and won the Golden Spikes Award as the nation's top amateur player in 2009.
“This is the dream right here. This is what you work your whole life for.”
