The Twilight Stars: Hitters Beating Father Time

By Rob Shaw
July 11, 2013
Feature, MLB


For the last few years there has been an infatuation with young stars on the diamond. Of course, there has been good reason for the attention as some of the greatest rookie performances have unfolded in recent memory with Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, and most recently Yasiel Puig posting big numbers.
There is no question that Major League Baseball players are getting younger. In fact, if you look at the average age for MLB players since 2000, you’ll notice a decrease. This is likely part of the “Money Ball” effect, with younger talent typically cheaper and more efficient for clubs to sign than veterans.



Average Major League Player Age

In the words of my grandmother we’re becoming a nation that does not respect its elders. Truth is, there are fewer veterans playing in their mid-30s than there have been at any time since 2000. As a response, I am pleased to shine the spotlight on players older than I am who are putting together fine seasons.


MLB Players 35+ Years Old
Here’s the top five performances from batters older than 32 years old this season:

1) Jose Bautista, OF, Blue Jays (32 Years Old)
2013: 20 HR, 53 RBI, 60 Runs, .261 AVG, 6 SB
Joey Bats has been in the league for nearly a decade, as he broke in as a 23-year-old in 2004, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that he became relevant. His 20 home runs, 52 RBI, and .265 average are solid, although not on pace to compare to his 2010 banner season. The two areas that Bautista could end up enjoying career-bests are his 60 runs scored and six stolen bases. Teammate Edwin Encarnacion deserves a lot of the credit, as he’s been a reliable second bat in the Blue Jays lineup who is also likely to approach 40 home runs this season.

2) Michael Cuddyer, OF, Rockies (34 Years Old)
2013: 15 HR, 52 RBI, .337 AVG, 6 SB
In his first season with the Colorado Rockies Michael Cuddyer was a bust with just a .260 average and 16 home runs while sidelined for 50-plus games because of injury. The 34-year-old outfielder has bounced back in a big way and will represent the National League in the All-Star home run derby. The biggest surprise has to be the .338 average and six stolen bases, which puts him on pace to topple his 2011 career-high of 11 stolen bases. Cuddyer made his debut as a 22-year-old in 2001, but it wasn’t until a few years later that he earned regular playing time with the Twins. As a result, there are no big career milestones in sight, but Cuddyer could end up with his finest season.

3) Nelson Cruz, OF, Rangers (33 Years Old)
2013: 22 HR, 68 RBI, .276 AVG, 5 SB
Career Highs: 33 HR (2009), 90 RBI (2012), 20 SB (2009)
MLB Debut: 2005 (25 Years Old)
A likely suspension looms for this Rangers slugger in the second half of the season. Cruz has stepped up for the Rangers in an effort to replace former team MVP Joish Hamilton. Assuming he can avoid the suspension tied to the Biogenisis case, Cruz will likely set career-highs in home runs and RBI. Already 33 years old, Cruz was a late bloomer who did not make his debut until he was 25 years old, and did not play regularly until a few seasons later.

4) David Ortiz, DH, Red Sox (38 Years Old)
2013: 19 HR, 65 RBI, .331 AVG, 3 SB
Career Highs: 54 HR (2006), 148 RBI (2005), .332 AVG (2007), 3 SB (2007)
MLB Debut: 1997 (21 Years Old)
Milestones: 53 Hits Shy of 2000, 32 HR Shy of 450, 13 RBI Shy of 1400
One of the greatest designated hitters in baseball history, David Ortiz is enjoying yet another banner season after what looked like the beginning to the end of his career a few years ago. Ortiz is nowhere near some of his previous numbers as he slammed 54 home runs in 2006 and drove in 148 RBI in 2005. So far Ortiz has posted a surprisingly high .318 batting clip, but the biggest shock has been his two stolen bases, which puts him one away from his career high set six years ago. Ortiz will likely surpass his 2000 hits this season and continues his march to 500 home runs and 1500 RBI. Regardless, past admission of the use of performance-enhancing drugs will likely keep the Red Sox great out of Cooperstown.

5) Carlos Beltran, OF, Cardinals (36 Years Old)
2013: 19 HR, 52 RBI, .309 AVG, 48 Runs
Career Highs: 41 HR (2006), 116 RBI (2006), .307 AVG (2003)
MLB Debut: 1998 (21 Years Old)
Milestones: 42 Hits Shy of 2200, 47 HR Shy of 400, 6 RBI Shy of 1300
Top prospect Oscar Taveras is supposed to be ready for the Big Leagues, but it’ll be tough to crack the Cardinals lineup as long as Carlos Beltran remains in right-field. One of the top switch-hitters to play the game, Carlos Beltran is posting another big season as he is on pace to blast 35 home runs with 100 RBI. Beltran’s .307 average is right along his career-best, a .307 average, set a decade ago. Beltran has had a very nice career with some highs and lows including an incredible post-season with the Astros, but then some disappointment with the Mets. He sits just 42 hits shy of 2200 for his career and is 47 homers shy of 400. Amongst the greatest Puerto Ricans to play the game, Beltran has a case to be a Hall of Famer.