Tim Wakefield retired yesterday. It was time.
Wakefield was a fan favorite not just for his longevity in the league and with the Red Sox but also because many looked at him and thought, "I could do that." He was our surrogate. If only we had learned the knuckleball at an early age we too could have had a major league career. He was living the dream for us. Unfortunately the past two seasons as he went a combined 11-19 with a 5.22 ERA - many fans derisively also thought to themselves, "I could do that." It was time to retire.
Real Red Sox fans won't let the last two seasons sully the memory of what Tim Wakefield meant to the team. Consider the fact that since Wakefield came to the Red Sox in 1995 - only 8 pitchers had more wins in the majors and the list reads like a who's who; Jamie Moyer, Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, Roy Halladay, Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux. With Wakefield retiring - Roy Halladay becomes the active MLB leader in wins with 188.
I hope the Red Sox do the right thing and have Tim Wakefield throw out the first pitch on Opening Day.