Old guys everywhere have a little more swagger today. They’re holding their heads a little higher. The reason? Major League Pitcher Jamie Moyer refuses to give up the ghost.
This spring, at age 49, Moyer was the oldest player in the majors, with the most career wins and strikeouts of any active pitcher in the league. On April 17, he became the oldest pitcher in MLB history to win a game. In May, he set the record for the oldest major league player ever to hit an RBI (batting in a run).
Happily, for kids across America, his athletic tenacity matches his generosity in the community.
Since founding his Moyer Foundation 12 years ago, he has helped raised millions of dollars to help support children in distress through educational and recreational programs.
The Moyer Foundation also created Camp Erin, the largest network of free bereavement camps in the country for children and teens who are grieving a significant loss.
Born in 1962, Moyer has won numerous awards for philanthropy and community service, including the 2003 Roberto Clemente Award, the 2003 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, the 2003 Hutch Award, and the 2004 Branch Rickey Award.
He earned a spot on the All-Star team in 2003, while pitching for the Seattle Mariners, but has also contributed his winning arm as a left-handed pitcher to seven other Major League teams since his rookie year with the Chicago Cubs in 1986.
“He’s given old guys everywhere a shot in the arm,” said sports writer Kevin Cowherd who is happy Moyers has returned to the Orioles, if only in their Triple-A farm team.
(READ his tribute in the Baltimore Sun)