Maggie, who achieved her dream in 13 years, is the ‘oldest debutant’ in MLB history from the KBO?

Who is the oldest debutant in the Major League Baseball (MLB)?

One of the MLB issues on the 27th (Korean time) was the big league debut of Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Drew Madge (34). On this day안전놀이터, Madge appeared as a pinch hitter in a home game against the Los Angeles Dodgers and played his first MLB game at the age of 33 years and 345 days. It was a ‘dream-like’ story that came true after digesting 1155 minor league games and 4494 plate appearances for 13 years. However, looking back on MLB history, it is difficult for Madge to put her name on the record of ‘oldest debut’. According to MLB’s official website,

MLB.com The record for the oldest debut in the big leagues is 37 years and 245 days, held by right-handed pitcher Joe Strong, who did not stand out for a long time after being selected in the 15th round of the 1984 rookie draft. In an independent league, he also played for a year in the KBO League Hyundai Unicorns in 1998. The record that year was 6-5, 27 saves, and an average ERA of 2.95. After returning to the United States the following year, Strong made his MLB debut on May 12, 2000 against the Atlanta Braves. His overall record in the big leagues (two years) is 1 win, 1 loss, 2 holds, 1 save, and an average ERA of 5.81.

Billy Williams’ age of 37 years and 63 days is the 2nd highest debut ever. Williams, who played his first MLB game on August 16, 1969, went 0-for-12 that year and disappeared. Hank Izquierdo (36 years and 142 days) and Jim Morris (35 years and 242 days) are ranked 3rd and 4th in the division. In particular, Maurice, the actual protagonist of the movie ‘Rookie’, is the owner of a unique career who debuted in the big leagues while working as a baseball coach and high school teacher. Minnie Mendoza (35 years, 127 days) is fifth in the history of the oldest, and Chichi Olivo (35 years and 79 days) is sixth. Maggie ranks ninth all-time.

However, if players who started their professional careers in overseas leagues are included, the first place (based on 1961 onwards) changes. Japanese left-handed pitcher Ken Takahashi made his big league debut on May 3, 2009 at the age of 40 years and 16 days. Takahashi was a 14-year veteran of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp from 1995. He chose to go to the United States at the end of his playing career and realized his dream at a fairly young age. Takahashi played for the New York Mets in 2009 for one year (28 games, 1 loss, 2.96 ERA) and returned to Hiroshima in December 2009.