Rich Hill, the ageless southpaw who debuted in MLB way back in 2005 with the Chicago Cubs, is defying the baseball odds—and Father Time—once more.
Now 45 years old, Hill is reportedly getting the call-up from the Kansas City Royals, according to MLB.com’s Anne Rogers. If all goes to plan, Hill could take the mound for his 14th major league team as early as Tuesday, per FanSided’s Robert Murray.
14 Teams Over 21 Seasons in MLB
This isn’t just a return, it’s career that reads like a baseball odyssey. Hill has logged stints with nearly half the league, bouncing from coast to coast with a determination that’s nothing short of legendary.
His journey includes 17 total contracts with Major League Baseball clubs—not to mention a quick stop in independent ball with the Long Island Ducks in 2015, before earning his way back to the Red Sox.
Since signing a minor league deal with the Royals in May, Hill made nine starts for Triple-A Omaha, recording a 5.36 ERA, 48 strikeouts, and 25 walks across 42 innings.
It’s not dominant, but it’s enough to prove the veteran still has life in his left arm. Last year, he even made a brief MLB appearance for Boston, tossing 3.2 innings with five strikeouts and just two earned runs.
Now, with Kansas City calling, Hill stands ready to extend one of the most unusual—and inspiring—careers in modern baseball. He’s not throwing 100. He’s not leading highlight reels. But when it comes to longevity, hustle, and flat-out grit, Rich Hill is in a league of his own.
