Wakefield retirement conference ends: A very emotional Wakefield was extremely sincere and grateful throughout his entire retirement speech.
He shares plenty of great memories and reflected on a fantastic 17 year career in Boston.
Wakefield thanked the Red Sox organization, fans and everyone who had a hand in his successful major league career.
Not only a fantastic pitcher but such a terrific humanitarian and what a great heart. Wakefield is such a unique person and someone with ambition to improve the lives of others.
What a stand up guy and an amazing member of the Red Sox organization. Any Red Sox fan would hope that Wake will continue to be a part of this team and organization for years to come.
5:38 p.m.: Derek Lowe, rocking the beard, remembers his time playing with Tim Wakefield.
"It was a no brainer to come out here. Unbelievable career, we have so many great memories together," Lowe said.
"I give him all the credit in the world. When you play for an organization this long, I credit him for not wanting to play anywhere else."
5:33 p.m.: Tom Werner reflects on Wakefield's remarkable stay in Boston.
"Tim is really exemplary. I remember all the nights when he walks off the field and always gets standing ovation from the fans."
"He would always be tirelessly willing to pitch in. There was something about Tim's demeanor making sure he's doing what is best for the team."
5:31 p.m.: Jerry Remy believes Wakefield will be missed saying, "What a wonderful job he did with the speech today, you could tell it was all from his heart."
5:29 p.m.: Wakefield anticipates continuing his charity work, saying "I'll always be involved in charity work, it's been a very big part of me and I will continue to be part of them as long as they'll let me."
5:28 p.m.: "There were a few seasons I didn't know if I was coming back, but I kept coming back and proving myself year after year. I was fortunate enough to play 17 years here."
"It's been a great one, I've been very blessed. I am just very grateful," Wakefield said.
5:26 p.m.: Wakefield talks to Tom Caron about his decision to retire.
"It's been tough, I actually made the decision on Monday. It's just been a long week, trying to get my thoughts and what I wanted to say today"
"I kenw it was coming soon, but I didn't know it would come this soon."
"I wish everyone on the Red Sox good luck."
"I'm not going to let one month dictate a career. I'm very proud to put this uniform on and I'm going to miss it."
5:24 p.m.: Wakefield gets a standing ovation from everyone in attendance.
He was very emotional throughout the speech and seems very upset to be leaving the game.
5:23 p.m.: "For me it was the right decision to make."
"I'm not sure what Varitek plans to do, but I am proud to say I was his teammate for 15 years."
5:22 p.m.: "First Time I stepped onto the field in 1995 and saw the Green Monster, playing with all the greats I have over the years … I knew it the first year I put that uniform on that this is where I want to retire, this is where I want to be."
5:21 p.m.: "To be honest I think this is what is best for the Red Sox, what is best for my family."
"It's a very special time in my kid's life."
5:20 p.m.: Wakefield says, "Now I'll have a lot of time to really reflect on all of the accomplishments I have been able to do."
5:19 p.m.: "I'm honored the Red Sox have asked for me to possibly be on the board of the Red Sox Foundation. I am sort of weighing all those options."
"I haven't slept all week, but I am very honored that they want me to be a part of them."
5:18 p.m.: "Winning a few World Series were some of the greatest things I was able to do here. Being able to share it with former players, past players, the Jim Rices, Johnny Peskys, Yaz was truly special."
5:17 p.m.: "I never wanted to pitch for another team, so I figured this was the best thing to do [retire]."
5:16: p.m.: "To Red Sox fans: You are the greatest fans in the world, I have enjoyed every minute I have played for you. I appreciate every moment we have shared over the years and I will hold each one close to my heart."
5:14 p.m.: "Thank you to my teammates for always having my back, for pushing me and for knowing that I will always have your back."
5:12 p.m.: "Thank you to the Red Sox for giving me the best time of my life," Wakefield said.
5:11 p.m.: "This has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do. So, it is with a heavy heart that I say I have decided to retire from the game of baseball."
5:09 p.m.: Wakefield calls it an "emotional day" and that his time in Boston has been "truly amazing."
"Everytime I stepped on that field I gave everything I had. All I ever wanted to do was in and the biggest goalw as to win a world series for this great city," Wakefield said.
5:07 p.m.: Werner says "In 2003, in game 5 of the ALCS, it was a marathon and Tim came on to pitch three long innings. He sacrificed so the Red Sox could win.
"Today, on behalf of John Henry, Larry Lucchino and every member of our staff, every player who has worn a Red Sox uniform we say 'thank you, Tim'".
"It's no wonder you were the Roberto Clemente award winner."
5:06 p.m.: Tom Werner talks about Wakefield's long, hard road to the big leagues and his commitment to the game.
"He found a way to keep his dream alive and he came to a home where impossible dreams come true," Werner said. "And they did year after year."
5:04 p.m.: Wakefield now on field.
Red Sox owner, Tom Werner addresses the media, calling Tim "a very close friend."
5:01 p.m.: Former Red Sox teammates and staff members arrive out on the field, anticipating Wakefield's retirement conference to begin.
Kevin Youkilis and other current Sox stars are in attendance.
Former Sox and current Cleveland Indians pitcher Derek Lowe on hand.
4:55 p.m.: Jerry Remy recalls Wakefield's career as "a memorable one."
"Tim probably believes he can still pitch," Remy said. "I think it will be very difficult for him. It's a very difficult adjustment for anyone in any sport."
"Somewhere down deep in his heart he wanted to retire with the Red Sox."
3 p.m. ET: Old reliable is hanging 'em up.
Tim Wakefield played 17 seasons in Boston as the knuckleballer came to Boston prior to the 1995 season. He collected 186 of his 200 career wins in a Red Sox uniform, and was a part of two World Series clubs in 2004 and 2007.
The veteran pitcher will announce his retirement on Friday night at the Red Sox' new spring training home, JetBlue Park, at 5 p.m. on Friday night.
