Wilmer Flores
A beloved Venezuelan infielder whose emotional connection with New York Mets fans was cemented by a tearful moment that defined his loyalty.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Venezuelan baseball player·Birthday: August 6·Millennials
Biography
Wilmer Flores's baseball story is one of unwavering dedication and an unlikely, profound bond with a fanbase. Signed by the New York Mets on his 16th birthday in 2007, he rose through their system not as a can't-miss prospect, but as a steady, versatile infielder with a reliable bat. His career, however, was forever altered on July 29, 2015. During a game, news broke that he had been traded; cameras captured Flores weeping on the field, a raw display of his love for the only organization he had ever known. The trade fell through, and the moment transformed him from a role player into a folk hero. Flores would deliver one of the most iconic walk-off hits in Mets history just days later, a symbolic capstone. After nine seasons with the Mets, he carved out valuable roles with the Giants and Diamondbacks, always remembered as the player whose tears revealed the heart of the game.
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.
Wilmer was born in 1991, 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 Wilmer Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Wilmer's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
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
2007Could drive
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
2009Could vote
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
2012Turned 21
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
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Hit a walk-off home run for the New York Mets on July 31, 2015, just days after a highly publicized non-trade left him in tears on the field.
- Played a key utility role for the San Francisco Giants, appearing at first, second, and third base over several seasons.
- Recorded a career-high 18 home runs during the 2017 season with the Mets.
Did You Know?
He was signed by the Mets on his 16th birthday in 2007 for a $750,000 bonus.
His nickname, 'Catire', is a Venezuelan term for a blonde or fair-haired person.
He hit his first major league home run off star pitcher Stephen Strasburg.
“I cried when they told me I was traded, because New York is my home.”
