The Oldest Pitchers To Play Professional Baseball

These pitchers demonstrated remarkable endurance and skill, enabling them to sustain successful careers well into their 40s.

Satchel Paige: At 59, Paige is the oldest player in an MLB game. He played his last game for the Kansas City on September 25, 1965 3. Paige was a dominant pitcher known for his fastball speed. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1971 3.

Jack Quinn: Quinn ended his last season at 50, making him one of the oldest pitchers in MLB history. He played for several teams, including the Brooklyn Dodgers 1 2.

Jamie Moyer: Moyer became the oldest pitcher to win a game at 49 and 150 days old. While pitching for the Colorado Rockies in 2012, he broke Jack Quinn’s previous record. 2

Hoyt Wilhelm: Wilhelm pitched until he was 49 years old. He finished his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1972. Known for his knuckleball. Wilhelm had a long and successful career, primarily as a relief pitcher. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Phil Niekro: Another Hall of Fame knuckleballer. Niekro played until he was 48, retiring in 1987. He won 318 games and was known for his durability and control.

Jesse Orosco: Orosco was a left-handed relief pitcher who played until he was 46. He holds the record for the most games pitched in MLB history, with 1,252 appearances.

Charlie Hough: Hough also utilized the knuckleball and pitched until he was 46. He spent 25 years in the majors and was known for his resilience and adaptability.

Nolan Ryan: Known for his incredible pitching velocity and strikeout ability. Ryan played until he was 46, retiring in 1993. He holds the record for the most career strikeouts and threw seven no-hitters. A record that stands to this day.