List of Major League Baseball players who played in four decades
Player Position First season Last season
Dan Brouthers First baseman 1879 1904
Jim O'Rourke Outfielder 1872 1904
Kid Gleason Pitcher / Second baseman 1888 1912
Deacon McGuire Catcher 1884 1912
Jack O'Connor Catcher 1887 1912
Jack Ryan Catcher 1889 1913
Nick Altrock Pitcher 1898 1933
Eddie Collins Second baseman 1906 1930
Jack Quinn Pitcher 1909 1933
Bobo Newsom Pitcher 1929 1953
Mickey Vernon First baseman 1939 1960
Ted Williams Outfielder 1939 1960
Early Wynn Pitcher 1939 1963
Minnie Miñoso Outfielder 1949 1980
Jim Kaat Pitcher 1959 1983
Tim McCarver Catcher 1959 1980
Willie McCovey First baseman 1959 1980
Bill Buckner First baseman 1969 1990
Rick Dempsey Catcher 1969 1992
Carlton Fisk Catcher 1969 1993
List of players
The players are listed by primary position played and years spanning their careers . Ten players from the group have been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame . Of the 29 players , 11 were primarily pitchers , six were primarily catchers , six were primarily outfielders , and six were primarily infielders ; the group covers virtually the complete range of baseball positions , missing only a third baseman . Key Member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Playing Major League Baseball in four decades has been attained by only 29 players in the league's history, dating from the 1870s to the present day.