Top individual Phillies seasons ages 35 and over

Relief pitcher: Kent Tekulve (1986, age 39)

Tekulve was one of the best short relievers in the National League during his 12 years with the Pirates prior to moving to join the cross-state rival Phillies. He saved 31 games in both 1978 and 1979 while making his first and only All-Star appearance in 1980.  Tekulve won 70 and saved 158 games with the Pirates,

Tekulve started the 1985 season with the Pirates but was traded to Philadelphia in April. In 58 games with the Phillies that season, Tekulve had a 4-10 record but pitched to a solid 2.99 ERA in 75 2/3 innings. He managed to do this while only striking out 36 batters and walking 25 batters.

Tekulve had his best season with the Phillies the following year in 1986, logging 110 innings over 73 games. He won 11 against just five losses with an ERA of 2.54.  The ultimate sinkerball pitcher, Tekulve allowed only two home runs, while walking just 25.  His 11 wins in relief were the second most of his career.

Tekulve continued to pitch well, displaying his rubber arm at the age of 40, appearing in a league-best 90 games in 1987. Still solid in 1988, Tekulve had a 3.60 ERA in 70 games covering 80 innings.  During his Phillies career, Tekulve won 24 and lost 26 with a 3.01 ERA.

Signing with the Cincinnati Reds before the 1989 season, Tekulve pitched to a record of 0-3 with a 5.02 ERA in 37 games before retiring. He ranks ninth in career appearances by a pitcher with 1050.