Moyer Wins

Now here's a man who clearly plays for the love of the game. Jamie Moyer, drafted by the Cubs in 1984 (five years before I graduated high school), notched a win last night for the Colorado Rockies against the San Diego Padres. Moyer broke into the bigs in 1986, and his career now spans 26 years with the Cubs, Rangers, Cardinals, Orioles, Mariners, Red Sox, Phillies and now the Rockies.

With the victory, Moyer is now the oldest pitcher ever to notch a win in the major leagues, at age 49, 150 days. In a game where the average retirement age is in the mid-30's, Moyer just keeps throwing, finds his way onto rosters, and manages to be effective. He pitches against some players that weren't even born when he first took the mound in the bigs. He currently sits at 268 wins, and while conventional wisdom makes the 300 milestone seem unlikely, I just don't think you want to count this guy out. Why? Because aging body aside, there's this little gem in Pat Graham's article (emphasis mine):

Moyer ended the threat by getting pinch hitter Jeremy Hermida to ground out to second on a 76-mph cutter.

That was vintage Moyer.

With streaks of gray in his hair, Moyer looks like a player who will turn 50 in November.

But once he steps on the mound that youthful exuberance returns.

He's transformed into a kid again, sprinting out to the mound after each inning.

On this night, he looked more like a spry rookie than a veteran nearing retirement - or at least his AARP card.

Would that we all could approach our jobs, our lives with such exuberance. Or perhaps, maybe we just should. Tip of the cap to you, Mr. Moyer.