Career Overview and Current Status
Matt Holliday is a former professional baseball outfielder and first baseman whose career spanned more than a decade in Major League Baseball. This profile explains his age at key points, career timeline, teams, and current status using verified information. Below is a concise overview of his professional milestones and what they mean for his legacy today.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 15, 1980 | Official biographical records |
| Age at MLB Debut | 24 years old (September 5, 2004) | Team transaction logs |
| Age During 2016 World Series | 36 years old | Postseason rosters |
| Retirement Year | 2019 | Official team and player announcements |
| Age at Retirement | 39 years old | News reports and league records |
Early Life and Amateur Background
Born on January 15, 1980, in Omaha, Nebraska, Holliday grew up playing multiple sports before focusing on baseball in high school. His amateur career at Oklahoma State University established him as a high-level prospect, leading to his selection by the Colorado Rockies in the 2003 MLB draft. This period laid the foundation for his later professional success.
Major League Playing Timeline
Holliday’s MLB career began with the Rockies in 2004 and continued with the St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers. His age progressed alongside each team change, impacting his role, production, and durability. The following table summarizes his teams and ages at key transitions.
| Period | Team | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2004–2008 | Colorado Rockies | 24–28 |
| 2009–2014 | St. Louis Cardinals | 29–34 |
| 2015 | Oakland Athletics | 35 |
| 2016–2017 | New York Yankees | 36–37 |
| 2018–2019 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 38–39 |
Position and On-Field Contributions
Primarily an outfielder and first baseman, Holliday was valued for his plate discipline, contact hitting, and defensive versatility. At different ages, he adjusted his approach to maintain value: shifting from power-centric production to more situational hitting and defense later in his 30s. Understanding how his age and role evolved clarifies his contributions at each stage.
Peak Performance Years
During his Cardinals tenure, which spanned his early-to-mid 30s, Holliday reached some of his career highs in batting statistics and accolades. His ability to stay healthy and productive in this phase demonstrated the impact of experience combined maintained skill.
Later Career and Adaptation
By his late 30s with the Dodgers, Holliday leaned heavily on baseball IQ, situational hitting, and mentorship. His age aligned with a shift from everyday play to specialized roles, showcasing how veterans can extend their careers through adaptation.
Current Status and Post-Retirement
Since retiring after the 2019 season, Holliday has remained involved in baseball through occasional commentary, community projects, and family focus. His current status reflects a transition from active player to baseball professional and public figure. There are no active plans for a return to playing.
Legacy and Long-Term Impact
Considered over his career, Holliday’s age at each phase shaped his value: a high-level contributor in his 20s and early 30s, and a seasoned leader in his late 30s. His career illustrates how durability, adaptation, and plate discipline can extend a playing career across multiple teams and roles.
- 15+ years of MLB service across five teams
- Known for defensive range and contact-oriented approach
- Transitioned to veteran and mentor role in later years
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are concise answers to common questions about Matt Holliday’s age and career timeline.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When was Matt Holliday born? | January 15, 1980 |
| How old was he when he debuted in MLB? | 24 years old on September 5, 2004 |
| What was his age during the 2016 World Series? | 36 years old with the Cardinals |
| At what age did he retire? | 39 years old after the 2019 season |
| Is he currently active in baseball? | No; he is retired and involved in commentary and community work |
Summary and Key Takeaways
Matt Holliday’s age aligns with a well-documented career arc from his 2004 debut at 24 to his retirement at 39 in 2019. His longevity and adaptability across five teams highlight the role of skill adjustments and durability. This profile provides a reliable, evergreen reference for understanding his career timeline and current standing.