Rich Hill reaches for record breaking moment with Royals deal: Report

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 14, 2025, 16:21 IST

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Rich Hill inked a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals at 45 years old and aims to pitch for an MLB-record-tying 14th team. He'll start with the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers and continue his incredible journey that began in 1999. If he gets into the majors again, he'll share the record with Edwin Jackson for most franchises played in MLB history. Rich Hill’s comeback proves that age is merely a number when you are passionate about the game.

Rich Hill reaches for record breaking moment with Royals deal: Report (Image Source: Getty Images)

Rich Hill, affectionately nicknamed "Dick Mountain" by fans, is not finished. At age 45, the oldest player currently active in baseball has signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals. Hill is trying to pitch for a record-tying 14th MLB team. He will begin with the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers and attempt to get back to the big leagues one more time and find his place in MLB history.

Rich Hill joins Royals at 45 in bold bid to turn MLB team record

Rich Hill has experienced one of the most unorthodox careers in baseball. The left-handed pitcher has already been a member of 13 MLB teams, and now he is looking to add a 14th with the Royals.

If he gets into a game with Kansas City, he'll join Edwin Jackson in the record for most franchises played in league history. He's currently even with the late Octavio Dotel, another pitcher notorious for jumping from team to team in the majors.

The Royals made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that Rich Hill will go to their Triple-A affiliate, the Omaha Storm Chasers. Although it's presently just a minor league deal, Rich Hill’s veteran status can possibly enable him to secure a place in the main roster if injury or inconsistency hits the Royals' pitching corps.

Rich Hill continues to beat the odds from 1999 draft pick to 2025

Rich Hill's baseball journey started in 1999 when he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 36th round. He did not sign at that time, but four years later he was drafted once more by the Chicago Cubs in the fourth round. Rich Hill has played for teams such as the Dodgers, Red Sox, Mets, and Athletics since then. He developed a reputation along the way for his looping curveball and gritty attitude.Even after age and injuries have caught up to him, Hill continues to resurface. Most players are retired by the age of 45, but Rich Rich Hill continues to train and compete. His return is not solely for record's sake, it's also a testament to his love and passion for the game. Whether he returns to the majors or not, Rich Hill’s progress is already a tale of phenomenal tenacity.Also Read: When Will Reinstalled Players Be Eligible For Hall Of Fame Consideration? Chairperson Jane Forbes Clark Responds

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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