Gary Sheffield at a Glance
Gary Sheffield was born on November 18, 1968, making him 56 years old as of 2025. He is a former Major League Baseball (MLB) right fielder and third baseman known for power and sub-.280 batting averages across 22 seasons. This profile explains his age, career timeline, teams, and how sources determine player status and dates.
Birthdate and Age Calculation
Age is derived from an official birthdate plus elapsed years to the present. Use reliable sources to avoid misreporting.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 18, 1968 | MLB records / biographies |
| Age in 2025 | 56 years old | Calculated from birthdate |
| Age at MLB Debut (1988) | 19 years old | Season start date calculation |
Age vs Career Milestones
- 1988: MLB debut with Milwaukee Brewers at age 19
- 1993: First All-Star selection (age 24–25)
- 1998–2003: Peak power years with multiple 30+ HR seasons
- 2025: Age 56; retired long before this year
Career Overview and Teams
Sheffield played 22 MLB seasons spanning the late 1980s through the mid-2000s, compiling notable statistics despite controversies. Understanding his career path clarifies age context by season and era.
| Team | Years | Notable Stat Line (Peak Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Brewers | 1988–1990 | .262/.327/.489 with 22 HR in 1990 |
| Detroit Tigers | 1991–1995 | .280/.344/.531 with 34 HR in 1992 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | 1992 (loan) | .227/.280/.431 in partial season |
| Tampa Bay Devil Rays | 1998–2000 | .286/.339/.548 with 33 HR in 1999 |
| New York Yankees | 1999–2003 | .277/.333/.527 with 42 HR in 1999 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 2004–2005 | .277/.325/.494 with 27 HR in 2004 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 2004–2005 | Traded mid-2004; .276/.332/.513 combined |
| Chicago White Sox | 2004 (late season) | .200/.281/.431 in limited role |
| Atlanta Braves | 2000 (early), 2002 (second stint) | .231/.311/.441 in limited roles |
Age Context Through Eras
Sheffield debuted in 1988, when a 19-year-old was rare for regular roles. By the mid-1990s he was in his mid-20s to early 30s, entering prime years with Detroit and Tampa Bay. In the 2000s, spanning 30s to late 30s, he played for the Yankees and Dodgers. Understanding these eras helps interpret age relative to performance and league trends.
Verifying Age and Player Status
Because player ages can be misreported, use authoritative sources:
- MLB.com official player profiles list birthdates and ages updated daily.
- Baseball Reference provides exact age calculations and game logs.
- Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) biographies for historical accuracy.
- Team media guides and press releases during active seasons.
Common Questions About Age and Status
Confusion sometimes arises because Sheffield remains in public conversation after retirement. Clarify by checking current-year rosters and official retirement announcements to distinguish historical records from present status.
Reliable Sources and Disclaimers
Information here is derived from publicly available MLB records and reputable baseball archives. Player ages are factual as of the date they occurred; present-day age reflects elapsed years. Always verify against current official sources for real-time accuracy.
Summary: Key Takeaways
- Gary Sheffield was born November 18, 1968, making him 56 in 2025.
- MLB debut in 1988 at age 19; played through the mid-2000s.
- Peak power seasons occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s across multiple teams.
- Verify age and status via MLB.com, Baseball Reference, and official team records.
- Sheffield is retired; no current active playing status as of 2025.
Tags
baseball age reference, Gary Sheffield career timeline, verified player profile, MLB biographies