Rich Hill made his highly anticipated return to the Major Leagues on Tuesday, taking the mound for the Kansas City Royals and marking a significant milestone in his career. At 45 years old, Hill tied the MLB record for the most teams played for in a career, now having appeared for 14 different teams, a record previously set by Edwin Jackson. He also became the oldest player to don a Royals uniform, surpassing Gaylord Perry.
Hill, who initially launched his MLB journey two decades ago with the Chicago Cubs, showcased his enduring talent through his first start of the season. In this outing against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, he pitched five innings, allowing three runs (one earned) and striking out one, despite the Royals ultimately losing 6-0. Hill’s performance was characterized by resilience; although he faced errors from his defense, he bounced back to deliver solid innings, notably striking out All-Star Kyle Tucker in the first.
After spending time in the minors to keep his skills sharp, Hill expressed his determination to contribute to a team once again. “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 remarked. His journey back to the Majors wasn’t without its challenges, as he had trained without participating in Spring Training, focusing instead on maintaining his readiness.
Throughout his extensive career, Hill’s experience spans teams including the Cubs, Red Sox, Yankees, and Rays, among others. Following Tuesday’s game, Royals manager Matt Quatraro praised Hill’s effort, highlighting his competitive spirit even in tough situations. Hill’s commitment to the game shines through as he continues to show up daily, striving for improvement.
While he acknowledges that he is in the latter stages of his career, Hill’s gratitude for the opportunity to play remains evident. As he continues down this path, his longevity serves as a testament to his dedication and love for baseball.
Rich Hill’s story serves as an inspiring reminder of perseverance in the face of challenges, demonstrating that passion and hard work can lead to fulfilling opportunities, even after decades in the game.