Tim Wakefield has had an up-and-down season on the mound, but he’s been a big winner off the field.
The veteran knuckleballer is the Red Sox' nominee for the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award. One player from each of the MLB’s 30 teams has a chance to win the award, which recognizes an individual who understands the value of giving back to the community and helping others.
Since joining the Red Sox in 1995, Wakefield has been nominated for the award eight times. He has immersed himself in charitable work, including Wakefield Warriors, a program that provides patients from the Franciscan Hospital for Children and the Jimmy Fund with the opportunity to hang out with Wakefield and watch batting practice before every Tuesday home game at Fenway Park.
Wakefield also has hosted the annual Tim Wakefield Celebrity Golf Classic for the past 17 years. The tournament benefits special needs children from his offseason community of Melbourne, Fla.
Wakefield has paired up with teammate Jason Varitek to run their Pitching in for Kids program as well, and has generously contributed to Garth Brooks' Teammates for Kids charity.
Wakefield is 3-10 with a 5.19 ERA this season, but he has done well since his move to the bullpen and posted a 2.46 ERA in August.
Wakefield will be recognized for his nomination before Wednesday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Notable past winners of the award include former Red Sox ace Curt Schilling, Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr. and Willie Mays.
