It'd be 'opportunity of a lifetime' for Hill to join this team

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Lefty Rich Hill has pitched for 11 of MLB’s 30 teams, and he is enjoying his third tour of duty with his hometown Red Sox. However, one thing the 42-year-old has never done is pitch with Team USA plastered across his chest. That is Hill’s next goal. The pride of Milton, Mass., badly wants to pitch for his country in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. I spoke with Hill about that potential honor recently.

MLB.com: Why would it be such an honor to pitch for Team USA?

Hill: It would be the opportunity of a lifetime as far as being able to play for your country. I think that would be extremely exciting and very humbling if that opportunity were to come around. As a kid, you would watch the Olympics or anything that would be tied to the United States as far as playing on a large stage for the country.

MLB.com: You’ve mentioned being open to the idea of not signing right away this winter and joining a team at some point during the 2023 season. What better way to do that than auditioning for prospective MLB employers in the Classic?

Hill: As far as free agency and when that kind of kicks off, I know there will be a number of guys that won’t be able to attend the World Baseball Classic because of teams trying to prevent guys from throwing too many innings before Spring Training actually kicks off. I know it’s like playing the World Series right out of the gate. That requires a little bit of grace from the organizations to let guys pitch. I think that’s something where I could check a lot of boxes [for Team USA].

MLB.com: I know you had talks with Jim Leyland about playing the 2021 Classic, which didn’t happen due to the pandemic. Would that make it even sweeter if you get the honor this time?

Hill: It’s bigger than all of us to play for your country. It’s the definition of a team when you all come together and are looking forward to accomplish something together as a whole. That is pretty special.

MLB.com: Somewhat surprisingly, the Red Sox used you exclusively as a starter this season. In fact, only Nick Pivetta made more starts than the 26 you are projected to make for Boston. That had much to do with all the injuries to the rotation. Perhaps the swingman role would allow you to thrive more at this stage of your career than being a full-time starter?

Hill: I think that’s one thing, also, in a sense of wanting to come back here and play in Boston. It’s our hometown. I’ve thrown the ball OK this year. I’m looking forward to next season performing in a multitude of roles that could actually fit in Boston, or many clubs, as far as being able to start on a moment’s notice or come out of the bullpen without any hesitation. I think that’s something that clubs would look for. That one guy who is possibly like a swing guy could possibly fit in that Team USA type of role as well.