Walker Buehler
A pitcher with a surgeon's precision and a bulldog's heart, he became the Dodgers' October ace during their 2020 championship run.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American baseball player·Birthday: July 28·Millennials
Biography
Walker Buehler's path to the big leagues was a study in overcoming physical doubt. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of high school, he chose Vanderbilt University instead, where he refined his craft before being selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015. His early career was marked by Tommy John surgery, a test of patience for a player whose fastball crackled with electricity. Upon his return, Buehler transformed into a postseason force. With a calm demeanor that belied the ferocity of his stuff, he delivered clutch performance after clutch performance, most notably in the 2020 World Series. His ability to elevate his game when the lights were brightest cemented his reputation as a big-game pitcher, a cornerstone of the Dodgers' rotation during their most successful modern era.
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.
Walker was born in 1994, 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 Walker Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Walker's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
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
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
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
2010Could drive
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
2012Could vote
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
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 2020 World Series as a key starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Finished in the top 10 of National League Cy Young Award voting in both 2019 and 2021.
- Pitched 6 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the 2020 World Series, a crucial win for the Dodgers.
- Was named an MLB All-Star in 2021.
Did You Know?
He was a two-sport star in high school, also playing basketball.
He is known for his distinctive, high-sock pitching style.
He and his wife welcomed their first child in early 2024.
“I think pressure is a privilege. If you don't have pressure, you're probably not in a very good spot.”
