& The MLB Knuckleballers are down to 2

After an incredible 19 seasons in the majors, 17 of those spent wearing a Boston Red Sox jersey, 45 year old Tim Wakefield announced his retirement today in a press conference held around 5pm ET. A phenomenal run, Wakefield finished his career with 200 wins, 186 of those wins for the Red Sox. Third all-time on the Red Sox wins list just 6 wins behind Roger Clemens and Cy Young who are tied for first. Wakefield helped the Boston Red Sox to win two world series in both 2004 and 2007. One of the only two knuckleballers still active in the MLB, Wakefield finished his career with an overall 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts.  


Wakefield is the longest tenured member of the sox, representing Boston sports pride since 1995. Recognized for his work both on and off the field, in 2010 Wakefield won the Roberto Clemente Award which is given annually to the MLB player who "best exemplifies the game of, baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team." In regards to Wakefields tremendous charity efforts- it is important to mention his uninterrupted involvement with his partnership to the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, brining patients to Fenway Park to share time with him on and off the field since 1998. 


Since Tim Wakefield first stepped onto Yawkey Way, and took to the mound wearing the Boston jersey at Fenway Park he has completely become a part of the infamous Red Sox tradition. Fenway Park won't be the same without him, and he will be greatly missed by his team. Jon Lester, starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox was quoted today saying, "I don't think anybody could see him in any other uniform. I think that's why it kind of came down to this. He didn't want to pitch for any other team. I'm just glad that he did it the way he wanted to, and that's all that you can really ask for. It's kind of one of those bittersweet things and sad to see him go, but I'm glad he did it the way he wanted to." 


I couldn't have said it better myself, no Bostonian could ever imagine Wakefield in any other uniform- It's a sad reality that his career has come to its finality, but at least he's retiring a Red Sox. Like anything else Red Sox related though, Wakefield will remain a tradition for years and years to come as part of the Boston sports pride that surges through the city.