Royals’ Rich Hill Returns to Historic Majors at 45/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rich Hill made history Tuesday as the oldest active MLB player, starting for the Royals at age 45. Despite a gritty performance, Hill took the loss against the Cubs as Kansas City fell 6-0. The veteran left-hander now holds the Royals record as their oldest-ever player.
CHICAGO — July 23, 2025 — Baseball welcomed back a familiar face Tuesday night as Rich Hillnow 45 years and 133 days oldtook the mound at Wrigley Fieldofficially becoming the oldest active player in Major League Baseball.
Starting for the Kansas City RoyalsHill made his 21st major league season debutpitching five innings against the Chicago Cubs. Despite a valiant effort, Hill surrendered three runs on six hitswalked two battersand struck out one over 90 pitches (55 strikes), ultimately taking the 6-0 loss.
Manager Matt Quatraro defended Hill’s performance, saying, “He battled his butt off… We didn’t play tight enough behind him.” Indeed, costly errors in the second inning derailed a solid start. After a single by Dansby Swansonthird baseman Nick the air dropped a potential double-play ball. A second opportunity for a double play also went awry when Salvador Perez failed to complete the relay.
The Cubs capitalized with run-scoring plays by Matt Shaw and Nico Hoernerand later Pete Crow-Armstrong added an RBI double in the fifth. Hill was also targeted on the base paths, as Chicago stole four basesincluding a double steal in the second.
Tuesday’s outing was Hill’s first with the Royalsmaking them the 14th MLB team he’s pitched for — a mark that ties Edwin Jackson for most teams played with in a career.
This start also cemented Hill in Kansas City Royals historyovertaking Gaylord Perry (1983) as the oldest player ever to appear for the franchise.
Fittingly, Hill’s historic start came in the ballpark where his MLB journey began. On June 15, 2005Hill debuted at Wrigley Field in a one-inning relief outing for the Cubs. Now, 20 years later, he returned to that same mound to add another milestone to his enduring career.
Hill had spent this season preparing away from the spotlight. After signing a minor-league deal in Mayhe made nine starts at Triple-A Omahagoing 4-4 with a 5.36 ERA. He was called up to replace the injured Michael Lorenzen (oblique strain) in the Royals’ rotation.
In corresponding roster moves, the Royals optioned right-hander Andrew Hoffman to Omaha and designated outfielder Tyler Gentry for assignment.
Only Jamie Moyerwho pitched at age 49 in 2012has made an MLB start at an older age than Hill. Hill’s longevity stands as a rare feat in modern baseball, particularly for a pitcher.
A Boston nativeHill has played in 368 career MLB gamescompiling a 90–74 record and a 4.01 ERA. He’s had deep postseason experience too, including 11 playoff starts with the Los Angeles Dodgershighlighted by World Series appearances in 2017 and 2018.
Whether Tuesday’s outing is a one-time performance or the beginning of a comeback stint, Rich Hill has already left an indelible mark — and baseball fans are once again watching.
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