Baseball History: Bill Lee Oldest to Win Professional Game
Bill Lee, affectionately known as “Spaceman,” never stopped playing baseball. On this day in 2010, he became the oldest pitcher to win a professional game in baseball history.
Bill Lee was one of the most colorful characters in baseball history. Known for his entertaining sayings, and his eephus pitch known as either a “Spaceball” or “Leephus,” he won 15 or more games four times, and won 17 games in each season from 1973 through 1975. He made the All Star Game in 1973, and was a solid middle of the rotation arm for the Red Sox and Expos.
Although his major league career ended in 1982, Lee continued to pitch. He appeared in various semi-pro and over 40 leagues, estimating that he continued to throw over 200 innings a year. As he continued on into his 60s, Lee showed no signs of slowing.
His continual appearances on the mound earned him more notoriety. Back in August of 2010, Lee announced that he would make an appearance with the Brockton Rox, a team in the independent Canadian-American Association. Viewed more as a publicity stunt than anything else, Lee took the mound on this day in 2010.
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To the surprise of virtually everyone, Lee pitched well. He allowed just two runs on five hits, one of which was a home run, in his 5.1 innings. He did not walk a batter, and had one strikeout. Lee earned the victory that night, and at 63 years old, became the oldest player in baseball history to win a professional game.
That record lasted for approximately two years. Lee again took a turn in a professional game in 2012, pitching for the San Rafael Pacifics in the North American League. He fired a complete game, allowing four runs on eight hits while hitting two batters, earning the victory. Lee did not strike anyone out, but he also did not issue a walk.
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One of the more entertaining players in baseball history, Bill Lee made history on this day in 2010. In his outing with the Brockton Rox, he became the oldest player to win a professional baseball game.