Phillies History: Best individual pitching seasons by age

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FLUSHING, NY – MAY 1: Rheal Cormier #33 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches during the MLB game against the New York Mets at Shea Stadium on May 1, 2001 in Flushing, New York. The Phillies defeated the Mets 6-3. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Age 36: Rheal Cormier (2003)

Perhaps the most unlikely name on this list, the Canadian-born Cormier was a nine-year veteran having pitched for the Expos, Cardinals and Red Sox when the Phillies signed him as a free agent near the end of 2000. He showed nothing special in his first two seasons in Philadelphia out of the bullpen, posting mediocre ERAs of 4.21 and 5.25.

Something magical happened during the 2003 season. Never having a single season ERA under 3.68, Cormier was nearly unhittable at age 36. He went 8-0 with a 1.70 ERA in 65 games, allowing only 54 hits and four home runs in 84 2/3 innings.

After another solid season with a 3.54 ERA in 81 innings in 2004, Cormier got hit around in 2005, giving up nine home runs in 47 1/3 innings with an ERA of nearly six. Cormier was having a very good season in 2006 when traded to the Reds at the deadline. After 21 games with the Reds in 2006 and six games in 2007, Cormier retired with 71 wins and a 4.03 ERA in 683 games.

Age 37: Doug Jones (1994)

A late-bloomer, Jones didn’t pitch his first full season in the Major Leagues until 1987 at the age of 30. He made three consecutive All-Star teams with the Indians from 1988-1990, saving 112 games. After a 5.58 ERA season in 1991, Jones was off to Astros via free agency.

Jones had the best season of his career in 1992, saving 36 to go along with 11 wins and an ERA of 1.85 in 111 2/3 innings. He struggled to a 4-10 record in 1992 with an ERA of 4.54 before being traded to the Phillies along with Jeff Juden for Mitch Williams.

Although his stay in Philadelphia lasted just one strike-shortened season, the 37-year old Jones showed there was plenty left to be a premier closer. In 47 games, Jones recorded 27 saves, allowing only two home runs and six walks in 54 innings for a smooth 2.17 ERA.

Granted free agency, Jones signed with the Orioles and proceeded to play with the Cubs, Brewers, Indians and A’s before retiring in 2000 at the age of 43. Jones retired with a record of 69-79 with 303 saves and an ERA of 3.30.