MLB

Who is the oldest player to play in a World Series? List of MLB players over 40 to play in the Fall Classic

A look at the oldest ever players to feature in the World Series.

VAUGHN RIDLEY
Born in Leeds, Joe finished his Spanish degree in 2018 before becoming an English teacher to football (soccer) players and managers, as well as collaborating with various football media outlets in English and Spanish. He joined AS in 2022 and covers both the men’s and women’s game across Europe and beyond.
Update:

At the heart of the Toronto Blue Jays’ historic World Series run that has seen them battle to the end with the all-conquering Los Angeles Dodgers sits 41-year-old, Max Scherzer, who has fans captivated with strong performances despite his age.

However, while many are commenting on his longevity in the game, he is not the oldest player to ever play at a World Series.

According to statistics compiled by StatMuse, the oldest player ever to start a World Series game was Jack Quinn, who took the mound at age 46 years and 103 days on October 12, 1929. Quinn’s presence in that series stands as a record of longevity that has stretched into the modern game.

Born in 1883, Quinn debuted in 1909 and managed to pitch well into his mid-forties, spanning an incredible 23 seasons across the dead-ball and live-ball eras. A right-handed spitballer known for his durability and guile, he played for teams including the New York Highlanders (who later became the Yankees), Boston Braves, and Philadelphia Athletics.

Not far behind is Jamie Moyer, who at age 45 years and 342 days started in the 2008 World Series for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Also listed among the oldest starters are veteran pitchers like Roger Clemens (43-079 in the 2005 Series) and Kenny Rogers (41-346 in the 2006 Series) as reflected in the StatMuse list. For hitters or non-starters, the data is less granular in that particular query, but the pattern is clear: very few players remain active in the Fall Classic at age 40 or over, particularly in starting roles.

Players over 40-years-old to play at the World Series:

1 Jack Quinn 46-103 1 10/12/1929 1929

2 Jamie Moyer 45-342 10/25/2008 2008

3 Roger Clemens 43-079 10/22/2005 2005

4 Kenny Rogers 41-346 10/22/2006 2006

5 Grover Alexander 41-222 10/05/1928 1928

6 Max Scherzer 41-092 10/27/2025 2025

7 Roger Clemens 41-079 10/22/2003 2003

8 Curt Schilling 40-345 10/25/2007 2007


Source: StatsMuse


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Game 7 of the 2025 World Series is set for Saturday, 1 November, with first pitch at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT) at Rogers Centre in Toronto. The matchup will be televised live on FOX (also airing on FOX Deportes, FOX One and streaming on the FOX Sports App) with the pre-game show starting at 7 p.m. ET.

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