Rich Hill Joins Royals as Oldest Active Player in MLB History

Kansas City Royals pitcher Rich Hill carved out a unique spot in Major League Baseball (MLB) history during a game against the Chicago Cubs on July 22, 2025. The veteran lefty hit two wild milestones: he became MLB’s oldest active player at 45 and tied Edwin Jackson’s record by suiting up for his 14th team.

Sure, the Royals dropped the game 6-0 at Wrigley Field. Still, Hill’s story is all about grit and sticking with it—over two decades and counting.

The Historic Performance: Rich Hill Breaks MLB Age Records

Hill’s journey to Wrigley this season? Honestly, it’s as improbable as it is inspiring. At 45, he’s still out there competing in a league where most guys are half his age.

With this start, Hill didn’t just become the oldest active player—he also passed Gaylord Perry as the oldest to ever pitch for the Royals. Facing the Cubs, Hill went five innings, allowed six hits, three runs (two unearned), walked two, and struck out one.

A Test of Resilience on the Mound

The game threw plenty at him, especially in the second inning. That frame alone ate up 31 of his 90 pitches, and a couple of fielding blunders led to two unearned runs.

Even with the mess behind him, Hill just kept grinding. Royals manager Matt Quatraro had to give it up for Hill’s poise and professionalism, even when things got rough.

A Career That Defines Longevity

Let’s be honest, Hill’s career longevity is almost unheard of these days. He broke into the big leagues over 21 years ago and has now played for 14 teams, tying Edwin Jackson’s wild record.

He’s worn a lot of jerseys, including:

• Cubs
• Orioles
• Red Sox
• Indians
• Angels
• Yankees
• Athletics
• Dodgers
• Twins
• Rays
• Mets
• Pirates
• Padres
• Royals

That kind of journey takes adaptability and a real passion for the game. It’s probably the only way he’s managed to stay relevant this long.

Called Up to Fill a Critical Void

Hill’s latest run with the Royals wasn’t exactly planned. When Michael Lorenzen landed on the shelf with an oblique strain, the Royals called up Hill from Triple-A to patch up the rotation.

He was barely settled in from his minor league stint when he got the call. Still, he made the most of it, showing that maybe age really is just a number, at least for him.

The Emotional Anchor: Hill’s Love for the Game

So, what keeps Hill pitching into his mid-40s? He just flat-out loves baseball. He’s said he can’t quite walk away yet—he feels like there’s more in the tank.

That kind of passion, plus his work ethic, has made him a fan favorite. He’s become a bit of a symbol for athletes who just won’t let Father Time call the shots.

After the game, Hill sounded like a guy who still gets genuine joy out of competing, even after all these years.

A Legacy Beyond Statistics

Yeah, the Royals lost, and Hill’s stat line wasn’t anything to brag about. But the real story is bigger than that.

Hill’s career is basically a blueprint for anyone dreaming of longevity in sports. He’s shown that if you stick with it, adapt, and love what you do, you might just surprise yourself—and everyone else.

Final Thoughts: Rich Hill, the Ageless Wonder

Rich Hill’s story keeps pulling in baseball fans as he hits milestone after milestone. He’s doing this at an age when most players have already hung up their cleats.

Even during a quiet 6-0 loss to the Cubs, Hill’s historic appearance stands out. Fans and players notice, and it’s a reminder of what grit and persistence can do.

Hill is the MLB’s oldest active player. He’s also one of the most well-traveled pitchers in league history.

Honestly, the guy just keeps proving how far passion and resilience can take you in sports. You can’t help but root for him, right?

For more updates on inspiring baseball stories like Rich Hill’s, visit Fox News.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Royals’ Rich Hill, on 14th team, becomes oldest active player in MLB