Hub Kittle had a baseball career that spanned 68 years in a variety of roles. On this day in 1980, the 63 year old became the oldest player in baseball history, throwing an inning for the Springfield Redbirds.
Hub Kittle was a true baseball lifer. He spent a total of 68 years in the game, beginning his journey as a 19 year old pitcher for the Ponca City Angels in 1937. He would spent 21 years in the minors as a player, never reaching a major league mound. And yet, Kittle continued to stay in baseball, fueled by a love of the game.
Although his playing career was, for the most part, over in 1954, Kittle made occasional returns to the mound. He spent time as a manager and pitching coach in minors, and would appear periodically. On this day in 1980, the 63 year old made his way to the mound for the final time, making baseball history as the oldest player to appear in organized ball.
Despite having made his last appearance on the mound over a decade before, Kittle was sharp. He started for the Springfield Redbirds of the American Association, facing off against the Iowa Cubs. He retired the side in order in the first inning, and then threw a single pitch in the second. After getting that out, Kittle left the game, returning to his role as the Redbirds coach.
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It was a fine end to a solid playing career. Kittle produced a solid 144-115 record and a 1.388 WHiP. Unfortunately, his ERA and strikeout totals are unknown due to the shoddy nature of minor league record keeping, but Kittle did have three consecutive seasons with an ERA below 2.00.
Kittle also spent time as a pitching coach, minor league manager, and executive. During his time as a manager, he is credited with 1329 victories. His time in baseball led to managerial opportunities in the Venezuelan, Mexican, Dominican, and Puerto Rican winter leagues. He was the pitching coach for the Cardinals in 1982 when the team won the World Series, a team managed by his protege, Whitey Herzog.
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Hub Kittle was a truly baseball lifer. On this day in 1980, he made baseball history as the oldest player ever to appear in a game of organized ball.