Rich Hill, a former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, made waves in the baseball world with his recent signing to a minor league contract by the Kansas City Royals. The veteran left-hander, now 45 years old, is set to report to Surprise Stadium and will soon join Triple-A Omaha. If he eventually makes it to the major league roster, Hill will tie the record for most teams played for by a pitcher, matching Edwin Jackson’s record of 14 different teams.
Last season, Hill took a break from professional baseball to coach his son’s little league team in Milton, Massachusetts, showcasing his commitment to family alongside his passion for the sport. Upon his return to the Red Sox for the latter part of the season, he posted a 4.91 ERA with five strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings before being released. Additionally, Hill had the honor of representing Team USA in the Premier12 super-round held in Tokyo.
His potential return to the major leagues would offer a unique generational perspective; for instance, Royals ace Cole Ragans was merely seven years old when Hill made his MLB debut, while superstar Bobby Witt Jr. was only four. The backdrop of this story adds an interesting layer to Hill’s journey in baseball.
Looking ahead, the Royals are scheduled to face the Red Sox once more on August 4, when they will visit Fenway Park, making for an exciting reunion that Hill may be a part of. Hill’s return exemplifies the enduring spirit of baseball, especially as he attempts to make history while also bridging connections across different eras of the sport.