Rich Hill’s Remarkable Comeback: Joining MLB at 45 with a Historic 14th Team!

Rich Hill is proving that age is just a number. The 45-year-old pitcher is making his return to Major League Baseball with the Kansas City Royals, as reported by FanSided.

When he steps on the field, he’ll tie the record for playing with 14 different MLB teams, matching Edwin Jackson’s record. Hill will also be the oldest active player in the league, outpacing 42-year-old Justin Verlander of the Giants.

Rich began his MLB journey with the Chicago Cubs in 2005. Over the past two decades, he has never made an All-Star team but has had some impressive seasons. Notably, in 2016, he boasted a remarkable 2.12 ERA while playing for the Athletics and Dodgers.

During his time with the Dodgers from 2017 to 2019, he maintained a sub-3.00 ERA for three consecutive years, showcasing his talent and resilience. However, in recent years, his performance has dipped, typical for pitchers as they age, but he remains a valuable asset. In 2023, he had a 4.76 ERA over 119 innings with the Pirates before a challenging stint with the Padres.

Before joining the Royals, he pitched only 3.2 innings with the Red Sox last season. This year, he put in some work at the Triple-A level in Omaha, where he posted a 5.22 ERA, a number skewed by a few rough outings.

Hill is expected to pitch soon, stepping onto the mound just as several Royals pitchers, including Cole Ragans and Alec Marsh, face injuries. Standing at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, he employs a four-pitch arsenal: a four-seamer, a sweeper, a cutter, and a curveball, according to his profile on Baseball Savant.

Despite the challenges, Hill’s journey reflects a blend of skill and determination, showing that passion for the game can keep someone competing well into their 40s. His story resonates with fans and players alike, proving that hard work and love for the sport can defy typical expectations. As the baseball world looks on, many are curious about what this veteran will bring to the diamond next.

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