A short article about Tim McCarver temporarily coming out of retirement. The feat would give the Phils a veteran bat off the bench, and also allow McCarver to play in his fourth decade, the first catcher to accomplish the feat. He would get into six games, going 1-for-5 with a double and two RBI. For his career, McCarver played 21 seasons (1959-1980), catching a total of 1387 games (he would play 1909 total) batting .271 with 97 homers and 645 RBI.

McCarver To Get Shot At Fourth Decade

by Jeff Worden

The glory of playing in stadiums filled with thousands of people isn't enough to bring former Philadelphia Phillies catcher Tim McCarver out of retirement. Not even a penant race could do the trick.

He realizes he can't sit in the crouched catcher's position as easily anymore. He knows his swing isn't what it used to be.

There's only one reason why he is returning to baseball. He wants to become the first catcher in this century and the 10th player in history to play in four decades.

"I wouldn't be coming back unless it was for the four decades," said McCarver, who Friday announced he would come out of retirement as a Phillies broadcaster and join the team in September, when the roster limit is raised to 40. "You don't hear of many guys who retire at 39 and come back to play one month. It's really important to me."

McCarver's career began In 1959 with the St Louis Cardinals when he was 17 yean old. At age 38, he retired last October, one year shy of the record.

"At 17, all I wanted to do was make the majors," said McCarver, between games of Sunday's Phillies-Pirates double-header at Three Rivers Stadium. "After five years, I was just starting to get the hang of it After 10 years, I felt I was in the prime of my career."

"I'm really glad he decided to come back. There might be times when he can help us," said Paul Owens, director of player personnel. "We're not doing this just to be nice."