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Revision as of 04:32, 8 July 2005 by Chick Bowen (talk | contribs) (→Facts)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Timothy Stephen Wakefield (born August 2, 1966 in Melbourne, Florida) is a right-handed Major-League pitcher who plays with the Boston Red Sox (1995-present). He throws a specialty pitch, the knuckleball.
Wakefield started his major league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992, and signed as a free agent with Boston in 1995. He won 16 games in his first year with the Red Sox and helped them win a division title. His longevity and consistency have helped him quietly become one of the top pitchers in Red Sox history. Wakefield is currently the longest-serving member of the Boston team.
Over his career, Wakefield has pitched in multiple roles, including starter, middle reliever, and closer.
In the 2003 ALCS, Wakefield was one of the most formidable pitchers against the Yankees, allowing only three runs in 13 innings. He started Games 1 and 4 of the series, with the Red Sox winning both. He was also called in to pitch in extra innings of Game 7, after the Yankees tied the game (the Red Sox had been leading 5-2 in the eighth). After retiring the side in order in the 10th, Wakefield gave up a home run to Aaron Boone on his first pitch of the 11th inning, sending the Yankees to the World Series. Wakefield apologized to fans after the game.
In 2004, Wakefield helped the Red Sox exact revenge by winning the ALCS against the Yankees, a best-of-seven series to advance to the World Series. He pitched Game 1 of the World Series but did not get a decision. Boston defeated the Cardinals 11 to 9 after a two-run home run from Mark Bellhorn in the eighth inning.
In a 12-year career, Wakefield has compiled a career 128-111 record with 1438 strikeouts and a 4.28 ERA in 2066.2 innings. In April of 2005, Wakefield signed an unusual contract that would allow him to continue pitching for the Red Sox indefinitely, at the team's discretion.
Facts
- Wakefield is one of ten Red Sox pitchers with 100 or more wins (113). Cy Young (193), Roger Clemens (192), Mel Parnell (123), Luis Tiant (122), Pedro Martinez (117), Smokey Joe Wood (116), Bob Stanley (115), Joe Dobson (106), and Lefty Grove (105), are the others.
- On August 8, 2004, Wakefield gave up six home runs to the Detroit Tigers, becoming the first pitcher to do so since 1947. The Red Sox still managed to win the game, though, 11-9, and Wakefield got the win.
- Wakefield's personal catcher is Doug Mirabelli.
- Wakefield has been on the Red Sox longer than any of his current teammates.
External links
- Tim Wakefield at: