Will Smith (catcher)
The Dodgers' clutch-hitting catcher whose late-game heroics have cemented him as a central architect of a modern baseball dynasty.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American baseball player·Birthday: March 28·Millennials
Biography
Will Smith caught the final pitch of the 2025 World Series — an 11th-inning blast that sealed the Los Angeles Dodgers' championship. Drafted in the first round in 2016, he arrived in the majors in 2019 and immediately delivered in high-leverage spots. His compact, powerful swing and preternatural calm produced walk-off home runs, including a decisive shot in the 2020 NLCS. Smith matured into a trusted game-caller, handling one of baseball's deepest pitching staffs. He does not chase flash; he produces consistently when his team needs him most. His value lies in his steady, high-leverage production, not in hype. In an era of louder stars, Smith remains the quiet, powerful heartbeat of the Dodgers' recent dynasty.
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.
Will 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 Will Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Will'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
- Hit a game-winning, 11th-inning home run in Game 7 of the 2025 World Series to clinch the championship for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
- Is a three-time MLB All-Star (2023, 2024, 2025), recognizing his status as one of the league's top catchers.
- Won World Series championships with the Dodgers in 2020, 2024, and 2025, becoming a core part of their dynasty.
Did You Know?
He shares his name with the famous actor, leading to frequent jokes and a memorable MLB social media campaign where the actor 'announced' the catcher's at-bats.
He played college baseball at the University of Louisville, a consistent national powerhouse program.
He was originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 17th round in 2013 out of high school but chose not to sign.
“I just try to be the same guy every day, catch the ball and hit it hard.”
