Glove story continues for 40-year-old Angels infielder John McDonald

Reporting from Oakland —  The Angels celebrated utility infielder John McDonald’s 40th birthday Wednesday with a cake after their 5-4 victory over the Oakland Athletics. McDonald celebrated by putting on a big league uniform, something he’s done for 16 years now despite spending his entire career as a backup.

“I don’t enjoy talking about myself very much, but it’s a fairly rewarding feeling to still put a uniform on at 40 years old,” McDonald said. “To have that type of longevity as a player … at some point, I wanted five years’ service time. Then, I thought 7 1/2 years would be great, and then 10 years would be great.

“Then, as I kept playing, I was like, ‘Man, I’m only a couple years away from 40. It’d be nice to still be playing this game at 40.’ Sitting here now, it’s a nice little sense of accomplishment. A lot of things still have to go your way.”

McDonald’s bat hasn’t kept him employed for so long -- he’s a .233 career hitter who has played for eight teams -- but his slick fielding abilities at shortstop, third and second base and his team-first mentality in the clubhouse has made him a valuable commodity.

“What he does, he does exceptionally well,” Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said. “You don’t stay in the big leagues that long unless you’re able to contribute. Though he’s been on a number of teams, he brings a piece of the puzzle that’s important to any team, especially a team that’s contending.

“I think he’s a better player than people perceive. He hasn’t put up real big offensive numbers, but on the defensive side, he’s really good.”

McDonald’s primary role this season has been replacing third baseman David Freese for defensive purposes in the late innings of games in which the Angels have a slim lead.

Though it appears Gordon Beckham will win the utility infield spot on the Angels’ postseason roster, McDonald has no regrets about signing with the Angels last winter. After playing for four teams last season, McDonald was glad to spend an entire season with one club.

“To make this team that has won 98 games, and I’ve been on the roster all year, there’s definitely a role for players like me,” McDonald said. “It doesn’t always mean you’re going to get 300, 400 at-bats or play every day, but some teams just need the security of another player who can do the job.”

There is a good chance McDonald will retire after this season, but he has not ruled out playing next year.

“I never really thought it was up to me to retire,” he said. “I always thought the 30 teams would retire me when they decide I’m no longer worthy of one of those spots.”