Rich Hill, the veteran left-handed pitcher affectionately nicknamed “Dick Mountain,” has defied Father Time once again, joining the Kansas City Royals in July 2025 for his 21st Major League Baseball season. At 45, Hill’s call-up from Triple-A Omaha marks him as the oldest active player in MLB, tying a record for playing with 14 different teams and cementing his legacy as a resilient journeyman.
A Historic Return to the Majors
On July 21, 2025, the Royals announced Hill’s promotion from Triple-A Omaha, where he signed a minor-league deal on May 13, 2025. According to FanSided’s Robert Murray, Hill was slated to potentially start against the Chicago Cubs on July 22, filling a gap left by injured pitchers Cole Ragans, Alec Marsh, Michael Lorenzen, and Daniel Lynch IV. His July 13 start for Omaha against the Toledo Mud Hens saw him strike out 10 batters, becoming the first 45-year-old to achieve double-digit strikeouts in a professional game since Nolan Ryan in 1992. Hill’s move to Kansas City ties him with Edwin Jackson for the most MLB teams played for, a testament to his enduring adaptability across a career spanning 2005 to 2024 with teams like the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Born March 11, 1980, in Boston, Hill has carved a unique path in baseball. Drafted by the Cubs in 2002 after starring at the University of Michigan, he debuted in 2005 and has since earned both American League and National League Pitcher of the Month honors. His 2017 season with the Dodgers was a highlight, where he pitched a perfect game into the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, only to lose a no-hitter in the 10th due to a walk-off home run by Josh Harrison—a rare feat in MLB history. Despite recurring injuries, including a 2009 elbow issue and a 2017 finger blister, Hill’s signature curveball and veteran presence have kept him in demand. In 2024, he made four appearances for the Red Sox, posting a 4.91 ERA, before signing with the Royals.
International Stage and Personal Drive
Hill represented Team USA in the 2024 WBSC Premier12 tournament, earning All-World Team honors as the best starting pitcher with 14 strikeouts and one unearned run. Speaking to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Hill expressed his love for the game and openness to a 2025 season, driven by a desire to compete in the postseason and win a World Series—a goal that has eluded him despite close calls with the Dodgers. His personal life, marked by the tragic loss of his infant son Brooks in 2014 to lissencephaly and congenital nephrotic syndrome, has fueled his philanthropy. Hill and his wife, Caitlin, donated $575,000 to the “Field of Genes” campaign to support research into rare disorders.
Fan and Peer Admiration
Hill’s call-up sparked buzz on X, with fans marveling at his longevity and comparing him to legends like Jamie Moyer. The MLB’s official account celebrated his record-tying 14th team, while teammates and analysts praised his mentorship for younger pitchers. As the Royals push for contention, Hill’s experience could prove invaluable, even as his role—starter or reliever—remains fluid.
At 45, Rich Hill continues to defy expectations, proving that passion and perseverance can keep a pitcher in the game long after most retire. His journey with the Royals is the latest chapter in a storied career that shows no signs of slowing down.
Websites Used
- ESPN (www.espn.com) – Provided Hill’s profile, recent Royals call-up, and 2024 Red Sox stats.
- Yahoo Sports (sports.yahoo.com) – Detailed Hill’s Royals promotion, record-tying 14th team, and July 13 Triple-A performance.
- MLB Trade Rumors (www.mlbtraderumors.com) – Covered Hill’s openness to pitching in 2025 and Premier12 tournament participation.
- MLB.com (www.mlb.com) – Listed Hill’s stats, personal background, and Royals contract details.
- Baseball-Reference.com (www.baseball-reference.com) – Provided career stats, Royals call-up, and historical context.
- Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org) – Offered comprehensive career overview, including 2017 no-hitter and personal life.
- MiLB.com (www.milb.com) – Covered Hill’s minor league stats and Royals minor-league deal.