Baseball’s ageless wonder, Rich Hill, is making a historic return to the majors. The 45-year-old pitcher is set to start for the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs, marking his 21st season in Major League Baseball.
Hill’s outing will place him alongside Edwin Jackson as the most well-traveled player in MLB history, having suited up for a record-tying 14 franchises. He’ll also become the first pitcher aged 45 or older to appear in a game since Bartolo Colon’s final MLB appearance in 2018 — and the oldest active player in the league.
After an offseason trade landed Hill in Kansas City, he’s spent the season in Triple-A Omaha, where he posted a 4-4 record with a 5.36 ERA across nine starts. Despite the numbers, Royals manager Matt Quatraro believes Hill brings invaluable experience and depth to a young rotation.
Hill’s résumé includes 386 MLB appearances, 1,428 strikeouts, and memorable postseason performances, especially during his stint with the Dodgers. Now, the veteran southpaw adds another chapter to his remarkable career — defying time, expectations, and Father Time himself.
Tuesday’s start at Wrigley won’t just be another game — it’s a milestone in modern baseball longevity.
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