There's no telling for how much longer Wakefield is going to pitch. At 45 years old, the knuckballer has still shown an ability to get hitters out. But as he closes in on his 200th career win, it might be time to start debating whether his No. 49 will someday be retired alongside some of the franchise's other legends.
Wakefield may not have been a dominant pitcher over the years. He's only been selected to one All-Star team, has never won more than 17 games in a season and has a career ERA of 4.40. But he's been consistent, in addition to being versatile, and his longevity is helping him reach a number of milestones.
Wakefield is the team's third all-time wins leader, and has pitched the most innings and made the most starts in the club's history. Even though it's often unclear, at first, how the team will use him throughout the course of a season, he always finds a way to get into games and provide solid innings when he does.
He arrived in Boston as a free agent in 1995 and promptly won 16 games and finished third in Cy Young voting. He made everyone in Boston aware that he meant business and has been chugging along ever since.
Wakefield's tried three times to notch the elusive 200th career victory and hasn't been able to do so. But you can bet that Wakefield isn't broken up about it, as he'll just continue to do what he's done for his entire career: take the ball when asked.
When it comes to having his number raised to the right-field facade, Wakefield might have to show even more patience. But just as that patience has helped him make a living as a big league pitcher, it could also help him when it comes to getting honored by the Sox.
Will Tim Wakefield's No. 49 be retired by the Red Sox someday?
