What makes an All-Star pitcher? A great win-loss record? A low ERA? Quality starts?
What about a guy who consistently gives his team quality starts,
eats up innings — especially when the bullpen is in need of a break —
and is one of the most dependable pitchers in a strong rotation.
If so, then 42 year-old Tim Wakefield should be an All-Star. He is 9-3 with a 4.39 ERA this season. But his numbers don’t even tell the whole story.
When the Red Sox were in the midst of a losing streak early in the
season, it was Wakefield who stepped up and turned it around in
Oakland. He took a no-hitter into the 8th inning and finished with a
complete game. That one start gave the bullpen some much needed rest
and propelled the team to an 11-game winning streak.
But even more than his impressive season on the mound, Wakefield is
an All-Star when it comes to character. Just this week, the Franciscan
Hospital for Children dedicated its baseball field to the
knuckleballer, naming it Tim “Wake” Field. Tim has donated a lot of
time and money to the hospital, and on Thursday, he was there to throw
out the first pitch and play with the kids like he has done many times
in the past.
Also this week, Wakefield hosted his annual “Pitching in for Kids” Celebrity Golf Tournament along with Jason Varitek, with all the money raised going to charity.
When most people think of All-Star baseball players, they think of
the guys who put up great numbers and can dazzle on the field. But
maybe character should count as well.
If that were the case, Wakefield definitely would be an All-Star.
