The best careers after age 35 in MLB history: 16. Edgar Martinez, 1998-2004 (35-41)
- .305/.412/.518
- 1037 hits
- 164 HR
- 669 RBI
When looking back at the career of Edgar Martinez, two words come to mind. Complete awe. Martinez operated as a pure hitter, for both power and contact, in an era full of them. But, his career was special. The Hall of Famer spent just a few seasons playing professional baseball before the Seattle Mariners decided it was time for him to transition to his ultimate role: Designated hitter. He remained the Mariners full-time DH for the remainder of his 18-year career.
Martinez turned 35-years-old in 1998 and played for seven more seasons. The seven-time All-Star continued to do what he did best: get on base, hit for slugging percentage, drive in runs, and knock baseballs out of the ballpark. He averaged 96 RBIs and 23 home runs in each of his final seven seasons, including six seasons with a .400+ OBP and four seasons with a .500+ slugging percentage.
The career DH earned three All-Star appearances after turning 35 including, an incredible 2000 campaign. In that season, Martinez hit 324/.423/.579 with 37 home runs and AL-leading 145 RBIs. He loved to drive in runs and his 669 RBIs post-35 ranks fourth on the all-time list. Martinez was inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 2019.