Justin Turner may be in the twilight of his career, but the Cubs veteran slugger just etched his name into a rare chapter of MLB history.
On Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs earned a dramatic 5–3 win over the Baltimore Orioles — thanks to Turner’s walk-off two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth. The 40-year-old came off the bench to pinch-hit for Michael Busch, and promptly crushed a pitch from Keegan Aiken into the seats.
It was just his third home run of the season, but this one was special. It was his first career walk-off blast in the regular season, and it put him in exclusive company.
The Record in Question
According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, Justin Turner — at 40 years and 253 days old — became the second-oldest player in MLB history to hit their first walk-off home run. Only Murray Dickson, a pitcher who accomplished the feat at 41 years and 278 days in 1958, was older.
Dickson, who pitched for five franchises including the Cardinals and Pirates, had a 172–181 career record and was known more for his arm than his bat. Turner, on the other hand, has built a reputation as a consistent middle-of-the-order threat.
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Now in his 17th MLB season, Turner has worn jerseys for six teams. Playing for the Orioles, Dodgers, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Mariners, and now the Cubs. He’s a two-time All-Star, helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title in 2020. And has compiled over 200 career home runs with a lifetime .284 batting average.
Signed by Cubs this past offseason, Turner is hitting .217 so far in 2025. While his production has dipped, Sunday’s walk-off reminded fans that even in his 40s, he still has a flair for the dramatic.
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