In a remarkable display of longevity and skill, veteran left-hander Rich Hill made his debut for the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday, marking the 14th different Major League Baseball team he has played for during his extensive career. This achievement ties the MLB record previously set by Edwin Jackson. Additionally, Hill surpassed Gaylord Perry to become the oldest player to ever appear in a game for the Royals.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rich Hill has played for a variety of teams, including the Chicago Cubs (2005-2008), Baltimore Orioles (2009), Boston Red Sox (2010-2012, 2015, 2022, 2024), Cleveland Guardians (2013), Los Angeles Angels (2014), New York Yankees (2014), Oakland Athletics (2016), Los Angeles Dodgers (2016-2019), Minnesota Twins (2020), Tampa Bay Rays (2021), New York Mets (2021), Pittsburgh Pirates (2023), San Diego Padres (2023), and now the Royals in 2025.
After his historic start, Hill reflected on his journey, stating, “It's easy to say that you love it, but when you know you have more to give, it's tough to walk away.” He elaborated on his decision to continue playing, emphasizing the desire to avoid the regret of wondering, “what if.” Hill mentioned, “Going into this season, knowing that I wasn't going to participate in Spring Training, working at home, and getting ready, knowing that there was something still in there... I didn’t want to ask, ‘what if.’”
During his first start of the 2025 season, Rich Hill demonstrated his enduring talent by allowing only one earned run over five innings. This performance was particularly noteworthy as he had spent the previous weeks building up in the Minor Leagues, where he posted a 5.22 ERA across 11 starts. Hill's commitment to maintaining his physical fitness and readiness for the Majors was evident, especially considering he did not have a traditional Spring Training.
At the age of 45, Hill became the oldest pitcher to start a game in the Majors since Jamie Moyer, who played at 49 years and 191 days old back on May 27, 2012. Hill remarked, “Just keep working. Every day, showing up to the ballpark, knowing what I need to do to prepare myself for the next start, and continue to keep giving my best effort.” This mentality has been his guiding principle throughout his career.
After his debut with the Royals, Hill expressed gratitude for the opportunity to don a uniform once more. He noted that his connection with Kansas City’s pitching performance consultant, Dave Wallace, greatly influenced his decision to join the Royals after exploring options with other teams. “I’m absolutely grateful for the opportunity to be able to put on a uniform again,” Hill stated, reflecting on his passion for the game.
With his incredible journey and record-setting appearances, Rich Hill continues to inspire both fans and aspiring players alike, proving that dedication and love for the game can defy age.
