After 19 seasons in the major leagues, 17 with the Boston Red Sox, 45-year-old Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield is set to announce his retirement according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Wakefield retires as one of the most beloved Red Sox players of his time and perhaps of all time. His career 4.41 ERA may not catch the eyes of people pouring through the history books, but his value should be calculated well beyond his ERA or 200 career wins. Wake was the ultimate “team pitcher” always able to work as a starter or reliever (22 career saves) and only one time posting an fWAR below replacement level (that came all the way back in 1993 with the Pirates).
On top of his value on the field and in the clubhouse was what he meant and likely will continue to mean to the Boston community. Wake was presented with the Roberto Clemente Award in 2010 in recognition his outstanding charitable contributions.
There is no question that while Wakefield walks away from the game, his legacy and place in Red Sox history will remain for years to come.