BOSTON — Rich Hill came on in relief for the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night and became the only active player to appear in a major league game in each of the last 20 seasons.
“There’s a lot of people to thank to get to this point,” the left-hander said as he struggled to manage his emotions in the clubhouse after the 2-0 loss to the Blue Jays. “Putting in the work, the effort to get back. … I’ve always loved doing it. I’m fortunate to be able to do it.”
Hill replaced starter Kutter Crawford with two outs in the seventh and struck out Toronto center fielder Daulton Varsho with a runner on second to end the inning. The 44-year-old Hill, who is in his fourth stint with the Red Sox, received a nice cheer from the crowd and a handshake from manager Alex Cora when he returned to the dugout.
He came back out for the eighth with Boston trailing 2-0 and retired all three batters he faced on a strikeout and two grounders.
Hill joins Tim Wakefield as the only pitchers to appear for the Red Sox at age 44 or older. A Milton, Massachusetts, native who pitched in college at Michigan, Hill has appeared for 13 different major league teams.
“Gotta love him, man,” said Blue Jays manager John Schneider, who caught Hill in the Cape Cod League more than two decades ago. “I laughed when he came in. … I give him all the credit in the world for still doing it. He’s like a baseball version of Tom Brady right now in New England.”
Veteran pitcher Rich Hill made his debut for the Boston Red Sox during his 20th season in Major League Baseball, showcasing his experience and skill in relief appearances.
Hill, who began his career with the Chicago Cubs in 2005, has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays. Known for his curveball and deceptive delivery, Hill has established himself as a reliable pitcher capable of getting crucial outs in high-pressure situations.
In his first appearance for the Red Sox, Hill demonstrated why he has been able to sustain a successful career in the MLB for two decades. Despite his age, the 41-year-old left-hander showed that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level, delivering solid performances out of the bullpen.
Hill’s experience and knowledge of the game have proven to be invaluable for the Red Sox, as he has provided mentorship to younger pitchers on the team and offered valuable insights on how to approach different situations on the mound. His presence in the clubhouse has also been praised by teammates and coaches alike, with many noting his professionalism and work ethic.
As Hill continues to pitch in relief for the Red Sox, fans can expect to see him play a key role in the team’s success down the stretch. With his wealth of experience and proven track record, Hill is poised to make a significant impact as the Red Sox push for a playoff spot in the competitive American League East division.
Overall, Rich Hill’s addition to the Red Sox roster has been a welcome one, as he brings a wealth of experience and talent to a team looking to make a deep postseason run. With his impressive performance on the mound and leadership qualities off it, Hill is proving that age is just a number when it comes to competing at the highest level of professional baseball.