Tim Wakefield will announce his retirement later today in Ft. Myers at a news conference.One of the classiest guys to ever wear a Red Sox uniform leaves the game after 19 seasons, 17 with the Red Sox, 200 wins (186 with the Sox), 256 strikeouts and a career 4.41 ERA. Wake did everything asked of him as a pitcher and more: starter, middle reliever, mopup man and closer. (He also had 22 saves) He didn't reach the Red Sox career record for wins, as he is third behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens. But that makes no difference really, as the Red Sox should honor the great Wakefield with a day in his honor and retire number 49.
Wake also leaves with two important things: two championship rings. He'll always be One of The 25.
And how much did Wake mean to his teammates? I'll never forget this stirring tribute to him by Mike Timlin after the Red Sox won the World Series in 2007 (from my friend Cyn):
Thank you for 2004 and 2007, Wake. Enjoy your retirement. You've earned it.
2 comments:
That clip with Timlin always makes me smile. I'll miss Tim.
Even from deep within the territorial boundaries of the Evil Empire this Yankees fan is among the many who shall miss Wakefield. It is a cliche to call him a man who played the game the right way but it fits him. I hope his after-baseball life treats him well.
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