By the time former Major League Baseball players hit age 50, most of them have not played ball professionally for at least 15 years. Jamie Moyer is a rare exception.
Moyer turned 50 in November, but he still started 10 games for the Colorado Rockies in 2012. He pitched 25 seasons in the majors, which is unheard of to say the least. And there’s still an outside possibility that he may not be finished.
“I haven’t closed that door yet,” Moyer said Monday according to The Seattle Times. “I really haven’t put a lot of thought into it. I’m enjoying my time at home at this point. I’ve got a college senior playing baseball. A college freshman starting at Pepperdine, playing baseball. … I’m a proud dad.
“I’ve got a daughter graduating from high school, going to college. Another daughter that’s going to be a junior next year. And then I have two fourth graders and two first graders. So, I’m enjoying my time. And I’ve got a garden growing. I’ve got lettuce I’m eating now and micro-gardens. I’m excited about that. I’ve got some fruit trees going in. I’ve got a puppy. So, I’m doing some things I haven’t done in a long time. … But I haven’t discounted potentially maybe trying to come back but I don’t foresee it happening this year.”
Wait, so he doesn’t seem himself coming back this year but won’t rule out a comeback after that? If Moyer came back this season, he would be the first pitcher to pitch in the big leagues at age 50. Obviously doing so at age 51 would be even more incredible.
“If I did it, it would be in a respectful way,” he explained. “It’s not a dog and pony show and I said the same thing last year when I was with Colorado. I’m not doing it for publicity. It’s because I wanted to try to play and because I think I can play. And that’s what I’m trying to figure out right now. If that’s the appropriate way to go or not.”
Moyer went 2-5 for the Rockies with a 5.70 ERA in 10 starts last season, so he was not all that effective. Colorado released him in June and he spent some time in AAA before the year ended. He also allowed opponents to jack some pretty impressive home runs (see: Stanton breaking scoreboard). Envisioning a team bringing him back as anything more than a publicity stunt seems like a long shot.
Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
