Tommy Edman
A versatile switch-hitting infielder whose speed, glove, and Korean heritage made him a unique staple for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American baseball player·Birthday: May 9·Millennials
Biography
Tommy Edman didn't arrive in the majors with overwhelming power, but he carved out an essential role with a blend of skills that managers crave. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals out of Stanford University, he quickly proved he was more than just a slick fielder. A natural shortstop, his athleticism allowed him to excel at second base and even the outfield, becoming the definition of a modern utility weapon. At the plate, his switch-hitting ability and blistering speed made him a constant disruption on the bases and a reliable table-setter. His Korean heritage, through his mother, added a compelling layer to his story, culminating in his participation in the World Baseball Classic for South Korea. After establishing himself as a fan favorite and a Gold Glove winner in St. Louis, his career entered a new chapter with a high-profile trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers, placing his versatile talents on one of baseball's biggest stages.
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.
Tommy was born in 1995, 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 Tommy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Tommy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
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
2008Became a teenager
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
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the National League Gold Glove Award at second base in 2021 for his defensive excellence with the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Recorded a 30-game hitting streak in 2022, the longest by a Cardinals player since 2005.
- Stole 30 bases in the 2021 season, showcasing his elite speed and baserunning instincts.
- Represented the South Korean national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, honoring his maternal heritage.
Did You Know?
His mother is from Seoul, South Korea, and he holds a Korean passport, which allows him to play for the national team.
He graduated from Stanford University with a degree in communications.
Edman was originally drafted as a shortstop and played all over the infield and outfield during his time with the Cardinals.
His full name, Thomas Hyunsu Edman, reflects his mixed Korean and American heritage.
“My job is to get on base, play solid defense, and help us win.”
