Gordon Beckham debuted for the the White Sox on Thursday, going 0 for 3 with a strikeout. In updating the Day by Day Database this morning, I notice he was born about a week after my wife and I married. Over the years, I’ve measured rookie ages in terms of my life’s milestones; graduation from high school, college, getting a particular job, getting married. Another year, and the wedding date won’t be an indicator anymore.

Beckham isn’t that close to the youngest in the majors this year, either. He ranks 20th among players who are or were active in 2009. Rick Porcello holds the youngest spot right now, born Dec 27, 1988. We should get a 1989 player at some point, and I’m hoping some 19-year-old becomes the first born in 1990.