In 1959 Ted Williams hit just .254 and at 40-years-old was considered done as a player. In the previous two seasons, Williams had won batting titles with a remarkable .388 in 1957 and a less remarkable.328 in 1958. The trend was most obviously in the wrong direction and when Williams announced his return for 1960 the consensus was he would forever tarnish his legacy.
Being over 40 and playing any professional game at a high level is unusual and an extraordinary accomplishment for an athlete. The fine line from going out in glory or a lasting impression of being just a shell of former greatness.