Royals’ Rich Hill Returns to Historic Majors at 45/ Newslooks/ 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.
Rich Hill’s Historic Return + Quick Looks
- Rich Hill, 45, became the oldest active MLB player with his start Tuesday
- Hill gave up three runs on six hits over five innings vs. the Cubs
- Despite solid effort, Royals fell 6-0, and Hill was charged with the loss
- Hill surpassed Hall-of-Famer Gaylord Perry as the oldest Royal to appear in a game
- The start marked Hill’s 21st MLB season and first-ever appearance for Kansas City
- Selected from Triple-A Omaha, Hill replaced injured starter Michael Lorenzen
- Royals defense faltered, committing costly errors during Hill’s outing
- Hill has now played for 14 different MLB teams, tying Edwin Jackson’s record
- His MLB debut was in 2005 with the Cubs, returning now to Wrigley
- Jamie Moyer (49) was the last MLB player older than Hill to start a game
Deep Look: Rich Hill Becomes Oldest Active MLB Player in Royals Debut
CHICAGO — July 23, 2025 — Baseball welcomed back a familiar face Tuesday night as Rich Hill, now 45 years and 133 days old, took the mound at Wrigley Field, officially becoming the oldest active player in Major League Baseball.
Starting for the Kansas City Royals, Hill made his 21st major league season debut, pitching five innings against the Chicago Cubs. Despite a valiant effort, Hill surrendered three runs on six hits, walked two batters, and struck out one over 90 pitches (55 strikes), ultimately taking the 6-0 loss.
“I felt like the ball came out of my hand the way I wanted,” Hill said postgame, acknowledging the grind of the second inning where the Cubs capitalized on defensive miscues to plate two unearned runs.
Royals Defense Falters Behind Veteran
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 Swanson, third baseman Nick Loftin 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 Hoerner, and later Pete Crow-Armstrong added an RBI double in the fifth. Hill was also targeted on the base paths, as Chicago stole four bases, including a double steal in the second.
14th MLB Team, Tying a Record
Tuesday’s outing was Hill’s first with the Royals, making 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 history, overtaking Gaylord Perry (1983) as the oldest player ever to appear for the franchise.
Return to Wrigley, Where It Began
Fittingly, Hill’s historic start came in the ballpark where his MLB journey began. On June 15, 2005, Hill 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 May, he made nine starts at Triple-A Omaha, going 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.
Longevity Defined
Only Jamie Moyer, who pitched at age 49 in 2012, has 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 native, Hill has played in 368 career MLB games, compiling a 90–74 record and a 4.01 ERA. He’s had deep postseason experience too, including 11 playoff starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers, highlighted by World Series appearances in 2017 and 2018.
Despite his age, Hill’s passion remains undimmed. “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 said.
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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