WBSC Premier12 star Rich Hill strikes out 10 at Triple-A at age 45

WBSC Premier 12 2024 presented by RAXUS All-World Team starting pitcher Rich Hill made history. He struck out 10 batters pitching for the Omaha Storm Chasers. Hill went five innings and allowed one run on four hits and four walks. Omaha eventually lost to the Toledo Mud Hens, 6-1, in an interdivision game of the Triple-A International League. Toledo is the Detroit Tigers' affiliate, while Omaha is part of the Kansas City Royals organisation.

Hill became the first 45-year-old player to go double digits with strikeouts in a professional baseball game since the legendary Nolan Ryan did it for the Texas Rangers on August 6, 1992, against the Oakland A's. It was Ryan's 215th double-digit strikeout game at the Major League Baseball (MLB) level.

Ryan was 45 years, 6 months and 6 days, while Hill accomplished the feat at 45 years, 4 months and 2 days old.

Hill has pitched in 386 MLB games, 248 as a starter, over a 20-year career. He last appeared at the MLB level during the 2024 season and is seeking another opportunity in 2025.

During the Premier12 2024 he said in an interview with the WBSC, "I wish to play another year. But I don't plan too much. I take it one day at a time."

He added, "Well, I don't feel like I'm 44. I feel I'm still young…well, not young. As a player, I still feel like I'm in my 20ies [Hill laughed]."