It’s a scene picked right out of a baseball fairytale: Rich Hill is back in the majors at 44 years old. The Boston Red Sox have called up the veteran left-hander from Triple-A Worcester with their pitching staff in tatters. It’s not just a good story to see Hill return; it’s a testament to how much he loves the game and how long he has lasted doing what he loves. With this move, there’s a shot Hill can make history playing in his 20th different MLB season.
Rich Hill’s Career
Hill’s trek back to the big leagues is one of the more inspiring stories in recent memory. The southpaw, who made his major league debut with the Cubs in 2005, is on pace to be the only active player to have appeared in games spanning two decades. Having started his career in Chicago, he has worn 13 uniforms—one for proof of versatility and skill. He played last season for the Pirates and the Padres, but his heart has always been with the Boston Red Sox, the place of his birth.
Alex Cora, manager of the Boston Red Sox, welcomed Hill’s impending return. He looks great physically, Cora said before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. He’s always taking care of that part. He’s excited to be back. Hill’s efforts both on his craft and in keeping himself in the best shape have paid off. In his last outing for Worcester, he pitched two scoreless innings, fanning two and issuing only one free pass.
The injuries to the pitching staff have hit the Boston Red Sox particularly hard, and the arrival of Hill may finally add much-needed depth. Not as clear is how he will be used, but it says volumes of Hill’s professionalism and dedication that he has come forward with a willingness to step into whatever role he is asked to. Luis Garcia and Lucas Sims have already been put on the 15-day injured list, so Hill’s presence is nothing less than godsent.
Historical Significance With The Boston Red Sox
Hill is wearing No. 44 which has great significance for the Boston Red Sox. In the process, he can join Tim Wakefield among the select few who have taken the mound for Boston at 44 years old or older. The late Wakefield, whose No. 49 is retired, holds the record for the oldest pitcher in Red Sox history at 45 years young. That return to the Boston Red Sox just got a little more interesting, with Hill having the potential to match or beat that age mark of Wakefield.
His career, which spans almost two decades, has seen a total of 382 games with a record of 90-73 and a 4.01 ERA. Hill was with the Boston Red Sox from 2010-12, 2015, and finally 2022. So, this is going to be his fourth time with the team, so one clearly could say that both Hill and the Red Sox organization respect each other to such an extent.
With Hill’s activation, Boston can stabilize the staff in the rotation, adding some much-needed veteran presence to the rotation. As he gets ready for his maiden appearance back in the majors, fans and teammates alike are itching to see what this baseball stalwart brings to the mound. The Boston Red Red Sox, and indeed the entire baseball community, are watching as Rich Hill keeps beating age and expectations.
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