The best careers after age 35 in MLB history: 25. Pete Rose, 1976-86 (35-45)
- .293/.370/.378
- 1709 hits
- 836 runs
- 539 RBI
Known as one of the greatest and purest contact hitters to walk the earth, it should be no surprise that Pete Rose finds a home on this list. Part of his legacy stems from his ability to continue hitting exceptionally well into his 40s. Remember, longevity plays a role in earning a spot on this list.
Rose played 24 seasons in the MLB, 11 of which came after he turned 35. Not only does the 17-time All-Star (yes, you’re reading that right) own the most hits in MLB history with 4,256, but he also owns the most hits for players above the age of 35. Rose was also an ironman throughout his career, often playing every single game throughout a season. With that in mind, he also leads all players above 35-years-old in games played, at-bats, and plate appearances. Longevity counts.
But, we can’t just focus on the sample size, because success at the plate is another factor. Rose hit .293/.370/.378 after his 35th birthday, including three seasons with 200+ hits. He led all of baseball in hits for two of those seasons, including the 1981 strike-shortened year. Rose managed 140 hits in only 107 games that year, on pace for another 200-hit campaign.
From ages 35-41, Rose made seven-straight All-Star appearances as part of a miraculous 10-year stretch with these honors. He also scored 836 runs in that span, good for third on the all-time list of players over 35.