The best careers after age 35 in MLB history: 8. Honus Wagner, 1909-17 (35-43)
- .301/.370/.422
- 1288 hits
- 618 RBI
- 46.5 WAR
Honus Wagner was one of the most versatile players of his era. Playing in the early 1900s, Wagner was considered the full package. He hit for both average and power, displayed speed on the bases, and played almost everywhere on the field. In fact, it’s mentioned on his Cooperstown plaque that the 21-year MLB veteran played every position on the diamond except for catcher.
Wagner is best known for his prowess at the plate and his defensive abilities at shortstop, right field, and first base. When looking at the first half of Wagner’s career, he’s all over the season-end MLB and NL leaderboards in everything from runs to hits, doubles, triples, batting average, RBIs, and more. “The Flying Dutchman” turned 35-years-old during the 1909 campaign and continued his brilliance. During that campaign, Wagner led the NL with an incredible slashing line of .339/.420/.489.
Through his final nine seasons, Wagner put together 1,288 hits and 618 RBIs. Those 1,200+ hits are good for fourth on the all-time list of players over the age of 35 and his 618 RBIs cracks the top-10. During that span, he also won the NL Batting Title in two seasons. Through his 21-year career, Wagner accomplished that feat eight times.
With this impressive nine-year campaign after the age of 35, Wagner ranks second in WAR amongst position players over the age of 35 with a 46.5 mark. He was elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1936.