Yan Gomes
He broke baseball's mold as the first Brazilian-born player to become an MLB All-Star, catching for a World Series champion.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Brazilian-American baseball player·Birthday: July 19·Millennials
Biography
Yan Gomes didn't just play baseball; he carried a nation's hopes on his shoulders. Born in São Paulo, he moved to Miami as a child, bringing a unique blend of Brazilian passion to America's pastime. Drafted as an infielder, his career found its true calling behind the plate, where his powerful arm and steady presence transformed him into a defensive anchor. His peak came with the Cleveland Guardians, where his bat came alive, earning him an All-Star nod in 2018 and making him a cornerstone of a team that consistently contended. Gomes's journey culminated in the ultimate prize: a 2019 World Series ring with the Washington Nationals, where his veteran savvy was crucial. More than his stats, his legacy is as a trailblazer, proving that the path to the majors could start anywhere, even far from the traditional hotbeds.
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.
Yan was born in 1987, 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 Yan Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Yan's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
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
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
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
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first Brazilian-born position player to be selected for an MLB All-Star Game in 2018.
- Won the 2019 World Series as a key catcher for the Washington Nationals.
- Hit a walk-off home run for the Cleveland Guardians in the 2017 American League Division Series.
- Recorded over 1,000 career hits as a catcher, a milestone of durability at a demanding position.
Did You Know?
He was originally drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays as a third baseman before converting to catcher.
Gomes is fluent in both Portuguese and English.
He and his wife, Jenna, are actively involved in charitable work for pediatric cancer research.
He played college baseball at Barry University and the University of Tennessee.
“I take a lot of pride in being from Brazil and being able to represent the country.”
