The best careers after age 35 in MLB history: 17. Eddie Plank, 1911-17 (35-41)
- 124 wins (124-63)
- 2.29 ERA
- 32 shutouts
- 2.53 FIP
After a highly successful 17-year run in the MLB, Eddie Plank could easily be considered one of the best left-handed pitchers in MLB history. Those are always a fun debate, but this list centers around the best careers after the age of 35. Plank spent seven seasons in the league following his 35th birthday and there’s no question he belongs on this list.
To add some perspective to Plank’s brilliance, let’s take a quick look at his career numbers. The ace lefty won 326 games, then, an all-time mark for lefties, and 2.35 ERA. Additionally, he still owns records for most complete games and shutouts by a left-hander.
His seven seasons post 35 were equally as impressive. Plank owned a 2.29 ERA and 2.53 FIP in his final seven seasons. That 2.29 ERA mark ranks third all-time for players over 35. He also continued to put together complete games and shutout performances, notching 32 of them. Those 32 shutouts rank second on the same all-time list.
Plank gave up just 0.1 home runs per nine innings during the last stretch of his career and owned sub-3.00 ERAs in every single season. One of the greatest left-handers of all time, he was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1946.