A prep star in nearby Souderton, Pa., and college ace at Saint Joseph’s, Moyer started out with the Chicago Cubs. In his debut, he beat Carlton and pitched into the seventh inning, when he was chased by Mike Schmidt’s RBI single.

Moyer made his next start a week later, also against the Phillies. Schmidt homered and Philadelphia romped 19-1.

Over the years, Moyer has played in 46 big league ballparks and pitched against the likes of Dave Parker, Dale Murphy and the father-son duo of Cecil and Prince Fielder. Oh, and he’s gone 246-185 with the Cubs, Texas, St. Louis, Baltimore, Boston, Seattle and Philadelphia.

Hall of Famer? Yes, said someone who hit against him.

“Doesn’t have the capacity to throw 90. Has faced losing his job three times. Has been an underdog most of his career. Sum total: He will be a HOFer if he ever stops pitching,” Schmidt said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Moyer is known for his abundance of charity work. Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon knows that compassionate side.

“Just briefly, a quick story: When my dad was dying in 2002, Jamie did give him a phone call one day, and I’ll always be indebted to him for that,” he said Friday. “And I’ve always looked at him differently because of that moment.”

This year, Moyer went a team-leading 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA. And he’s not ready to leave yet.

“I love the challenge. I enjoy the challenge,” he said. “I haven’t lost that desire. That’s what really pushes me. That and being in the situation that we’re in right now, being in the World Series.”

“It’s been a long wait. I’m trying to enjoy this. I’m trying to take it all in, trying to realize where I am. It’s a special time,” he said.

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