World Series 2025: Max Scherzer, the 41-year-old veteran who seeks to challenge history

The veteran Blue Jays pitcher will make the fifth start of his career in the “Fall Classic” and only his second appearance in the current postseason.

Max Scherzer He is a veteran of a thousand battles who has seen absolutely everything throughout his extensive career of almost two decades in the Major Leagues. Therefore, at 41 years and 92 days, it is unlikely that in a vital Game 3 of World Series between Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgersany team could wish to have someone with more experience and competitive spirit.

When Scherzer throw his first pitch in the game against the Dodgerswill officially become the sixth oldest pitcher to participate in a game of World Series and the twelfth to open a meeting in this instance with 40 years or older. The right-hander will have the complicated task of demonstrating that age is just a number against a lineup that has Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freemanin addition to a group of role players who have been able to respond in decisive moments.

The obvious question, after seeing the number of starters who have started a game of World Series with 40 years or more, is: how have they fared historically? The reality is that the results have been mostly adverse. Among the 11 pitchers who have done so, the collective record is 2 wins, 5 losses and 7 games without a decision, according to the statistical portal Statmuse. Below, we review their performances.

Jack Quinn – Philadelphia Athletics (46 years and 103 days)

The oldest pitcher to start a game World Series He did it on October 12, 1929 by the then Philadelphia Athletics. Quinn came out with a no-decision after five innings of six runs allowed (five earned).

Jamie Moyer – Philadelphia Phillies (45 years and 342 days)

It was the opener of the Phillies on October 25, 2008 against Tampa Bay Rays. He left without a decision after 6.1 innings in which he allowed three runs and struck out five.

Roger Clemens – Houston Astros and New York Yankees (most recent: 43 years and 79 days)

Clemens He is one of three pitchers who made two starts at age 40 or older in the World Series. In both he came out without a decision. In 2003, at 41 years and 79 days old, he pitched seven innings of three runs and five strikeouts with the Yankees before the Florida Marlins. Two years later, on October 22, 2005, with the Astrospitched two innings of three earned runs against the Chicago White Sox.

Kenny Rogers – Detroit Tigers (41 years and 346 days)

On October 22, 2006, Rogers was responsible for one of the two victories achieved by a 40-year-old starter in World Series. He threw eight scoreless innings of two hits, five strikeouts and three walks against the St. Louis Cardinalsin which it is considered the best start by a pitcher of that age in the history of the “Fall Classic”.

Grover Alexander – St. Louis Cardinals (41 years and 222 days)

On October 5, 1928, Alexander was punished by Yankees with eight runs in just 2.1 innings. He only struck out one batter and walked four, also allowing one home run.

Curt Schilling – Boston Red Sox (40 years and 345 days)

In the World Series of 2007, Schilling It was one of the four openers used by the Red Sox in the sweep against Colorado Rockies. He pitched 5.1 innings of one earned run and four strikeouts, earning the second win for a starter 40 or older in World Series.

Dennis Martínez – Cleveland Indians (most recent: 40 years and 167 days)

“The President” made two starts against the Atlanta Braves in the World Series 1995. In the first, on October 22, he took the loss after 5.2 innings and four runs allowed. Six days later he pitched 4.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts, although he walked five, the highest number for a starter 40 years or older in World Series.

David Wells – New York Yankees (most recent: 40 years and 156 days)

Just like Martinez, Wells had two openings in one World Series with 40 years or more, with one defeat and one without decision. In the first game, on October 18, 2003, he allowed three runs in seven innings. Five days later, he only pitched one inning, which he completed without difficulty.

Rick Reuschel – San Francisco Giants (40 years and 152 days)

On October 15, 1989, he faced the Oakland Athletics and was punished for five runs in four innings, with two strikeouts and four walks. He ended up taking defeat.

Freddie Fitzsimmons – Brooklyn Dodgers (40 years and 68 days)

On October 4, 1941, Fitzsimmons he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Yankeesallowing four hits and three walks, with one strikeout. He left without a decision.

Bobo Newsom – New York Yankees (40 years and 52 days)

On October 2, 1947, he was punished by the Dodgers with five runs in 1.2 innings, taking the loss.

Given history, the big question is whether Max Scherzer will be able to break the negative trend that has historically accompanied veteran pitchers in the World Series. At 41 years old, the right-hander will seek to defy the odds, facing one of the most fearsome lineups in modern baseball. The great competitive nature of Scherzer has never been in doubt, but in this scenario, even for a future Hall of Famethere are no guarantees.