At 45 years old, Rich Hill sets a Major League record by taking the mound for his 14th team.

As Rich Hill donned the Kansas City Royals jersey today, the pitcher's mound was the very spot where he made his Major League debut 20 years ago (June 15, 2005) wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform. After two decades, Hill continues to make contributions on the Major League stage.

This left-handed pitcher signed a minor league contract with the Royals in May and was called up today from Triple-A Omaha to fill in for Michael Lorenzen's rotation spot. This marks Hill's first Major League start since September 5, 2023, where he battled against one of the league's top lineups for five innings in a 0-6 loss to the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

He pitched five innings, allowing six hits, issuing two walks, striking out one, and giving up three runs (only one earned). In the sixth inning, with the Royals trailing 0-3, Hill exited the game to rest.

“He gave it his all on the mound,” said manager Matt Quatraro. “It was tough going early, with a high pitch count—especially in the second inning—but his control was quite precise. Despite the walks, most of his pitches were very competitive.”

After a scoreless first inning where he struck out All-Star Kyle Tucker, Hill did not receive defensive support in the second inning. Dansby Swanson reached base with a hit in his first at-bat, and consecutive defensive errors by third baseman Nick Loftin and first baseman Salvador Perez led to two unearned runs for the 21-year veteran.

Hill then kept the opposition scoreless in the third and fourth innings, but in the fifth, he allowed a double to Pete Crow-Armstrong that resulted in a run. After reaching 90 pitches in five innings, Quatraro activated the bullpen for the sixth inning.

“It’s a tremendous honor,” catcher Freddy Fermin said about working with Hill. “I learn something new every year, and today I gained a lot from Hill. He has an exceptional array of pitches and is incredibly talented.”

This game marked Hill's 14th team in his career, tying him with Edwin Jackson for the Major League record, while also surpassing Gaylord Perry to become the oldest player to appear for the Royals.

Hill’s career journey: Cubs (05-08), Orioles (09), Red Sox (10-12/15/22/24), Guardians (13), Angels (14), Yankees (14), Athletics (16), Dodgers (16-19), Twins (20), Rays (21), Mets (21), Pirates (23), Padres (23), Royals (25).

“It’s easy to say you love baseball, but when you know you still have fuel left in the tank, stepping away is incredibly difficult,” Hill admitted. “At the start of this season, knowing I wouldn’t make spring training, I continued to train at home because I was convinced there was still gas in the tank. I don’t want to be stuck in 'what if' scenarios for the rest of my life—that’s the core of my determination this season: to be clear that I can still contribute to the team.”

In recent weeks, Hill has been adjusting in the minor leagues, with an earned run average of 5.22 over 11 starts. Lacking a spring training background, this veteran has worked hard to maintain his physique and arm strength.

Months later, at 45 years old, Hill made his Major League season debut, becoming the oldest starting pitcher since Jamie Moyer (49 years and 191 days) on May 28, 2012.

“The only way forward is to keep improving,” Hill emphasized. “Every day at the ballpark, I have a clear plan to prepare for my next start, and I always give it my all—that’s an unchanging rule every season. Each time I take the mound, I must leave everything on the field.”

Hill revealed that before signing with the Royals, he had discussions with multiple teams, but his connection with pitching performance consultant Dave Wallace became a key factor in his free agency decision.

As his career enters its later stages, Hill feels grateful to still be able to compete in the sport he loves.

“I’m thankful to be able to wear the uniform again,” he smiled, “and I’m fortunate that everything has come together.”