On August 30th, 1986, Tommy John, 43, and Joe Niekro, 41, pitched a doubleheader for the New York Yankees against Seattle to become the first 40-plus teammate combo to start a doubleheader since Sept. 13, 1933, when the Chicago Cubs’ Sam Jones, 41, and Red Faber, 44, pitched against the Philadelphia Athletics. John lost the opener and Niekro won the second game, 3-0.

I am not much of a fan of the “Old Guys Rule” brand of apparel. It is too much performative manhood for my tastes. But I do admit that I cannot help rooting for older athletes, male or female.

Here are the 10 oldest players that were on a Major League roster at the beginning of the 2025 season:

• Justin Verlander, RHP, Giants (age 42)
  Born: Feb. 20, 1983 | 1st season: 2005
• Charlie Morton, RHP, Orioles (age 41)
  Born: Nov. 12, 1983 | 1st season: 2008
• Max Scherzer, RHP, Blue Jays (age 41)
  Born: July 27, 1984 | 1st season: 2008
•  Justin Turner, DH, Cubs (age 40)
  Born: Nov. 23, 1984 | 1st season: 2009
• Carlos Santana, 1B/DH, Guardians (age 39)
  Born: April 8, 1986 | 1st season: 2010
• Chris Martin, RHP, Rangers (age 39)
  Born: June 2, 1986 | 1st season: 2014
• Yu Darvish, RHP, Padres (age 39)
  Born: Aug. 16, 1986 | 1st season: 2012
• Martín Maldonado, C, Padres (age 38)
  Born: Aug. 16, 1986 | 1st season: 2011
• Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates (age 38)
  Born: Oct. 10, 1986 | 1st season: 2009

Last season Carlos Santana was a 38-year-old Minnesota Twin and he won the first Gold Glove of his career.

Here’s to all the Old Guys!