Doing some College World Series betting recently,
it was interesting to look at guys like Dustin Ackley, barely out of their
teens yet about to break into the pros, then watching Randy Johnson win his 300th
game in the Majors. The Unit is more than double the age of these kids yet is
still performing at a pretty high level. I’m guessing gambling software never
would’ve predicted 20 years ago that Randy would still be going strong at age
45.
Let’s look at the top five MLB players 40 years
old and older – grey hair and moustaches earn extra points! Sorry, clean-cut
Jamie Moyer – you didn’t make the cut.
5. Gary
Sheffield
Sheff, famous for his bat waggle, has quietly had
a great career – maybe even Hall-of-Fame worthy. He’s not the feared
middle-of-the-order presence was a few years ago but he still has pop and he’s
helped the Mets stay afloat this season.
4. Tim
Wakefield
The knuckleballer lives! The noodle-armed
Wakefield keeps chugging along. He’s in his 15th season with the Red
Sox and he continues to help their MLB
odds with steady performance. He’s already 9-3 in 2009 and his stats are
right around his career averages, so there’s no reason to think the 43-year-old
can’t keep it up.
3. Randy
Johnson
What a career it’s been for the Big Unit – one
that will join the likes of Nolan Ryan among the very best of all time. Would
you bet against a strong finish to the season for him in your MLB
Predictions? He’s allowed three runs or less in five straight starts.
2. John
Smoltz
Smoltz is special in that he’s not just good “for
his age,” he’s just straight-up good. Well, he was in his last full season
(14-8, 3.11 ERA, 197 strikeouts in 2007). Does he still have any magic left?
I’m betting
management in Boston scouted him well before signing him – and that his
shoulder will hold up nicely when he makes his American League debut next week.
1. Trevor
Hoffman
The all-time saves leader has forever cemented his
mark on the AC/DC song “Hells Bells,” for so long his trademark entrance music,
and he keeps churning out one great year after another. This season: 0.45 ERA
and 16 for 16 in save tries at age 41. Amazing!