“The Vanimal” Returns: At 38, Ex-Phillie Vance Worley Embraces Veteran Role for Great Britain in WBC
Former Philadelphia Phillies standout Vance Worley is set to take the mound for Great Britain in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, marking a return to international competition for the 38-year-old right-hander. Worley, known affectionately by fans as “The Vanimal,” is reprising his commitment to the British squad, this time fully leaning into the role of the team’s “grandpa” and elder statesman.
Worley’s baseball journey is best defined by his breakout 2011 season with the Phillies, where he became a cult hero for his rec-specs and aggressive pitching style, finishing third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting with an 11-3 record and a 3.01 ERA. Following his stint in Philadelphia, Worley became a journeyman starter and reliever, logging innings for the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, and Miami Marlins. Since his last Major League appearance in 2017, he has kept his career alive through independent leagues and previous international tournaments, maintaining a reputation as a fierce competitor despite the absence of a major league contract.
For Great Britain, Worley’s inclusion is a strategic move designed to inject proven Major League experience into a developing program. As the team looks to capitalize on the sport’s growing popularity in the UK, Worley offers mentorship to a younger pitching staff that may lack exposure to high-pressure environments. By embracing the “grandpa” label, Worley signals a shift in priority from personal career revival to clubhouse leadership, offering the mental fortitude required to navigate a short, high-stakes tournament.
However, the decision to rely on a pitcher nearing 40 does not come without scrutiny. Critics point out that Worley has been removed from MLB-level competition for several years, raising valid concerns regarding his velocity and ability to miss bats against lineups populated by current All-Stars. There is an argument to be made that allocating roster spots to aging veterans may stifle the development of younger British talent who require international innings to mature. Furthermore, the physical demands of the WBC are intense, and relying on an older arm to provide quality innings against elite hitting remains a significant gamble for Team GB.
Despite the skepticism surrounding his age and time away from the majors, Worley’s return provides Great Britain with a recognizable face and a pitcher who understands the art of navigating a lineup without overpowering stuff. As the tournament approaches, “The Vanimal” will look to prove that veteran savvy can still compete with youthful power on the world stage.
