Wakefield finishes his MLB career with a record of 200-180.
Tim Wakefield pitches during Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees in this October 17, 2004 file photo.With the news of the retirement of Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, we take a look back at some of the signature moments of Wakefield's career in Boston. Wakefield retires with a career record of 200-180 over 17 seasons in Boston and 2 in Pittsburgh.
Aug 13, 1995. Wakefieldmania peaks during the pitcher's first season in Boston as Wakefield improves his record to 14-1 with a 1.65 ERA -- with 6 wins coming in complete games. After the season, Wakefield places third in American League Cy Young voting.
May 6, 1999: As a result of some unconventional thinking by Red Sox manager Jimy Williams, Wakefield starts to see time as a closer. He records his first career save against the Rangers and begins earning the reputation of a player who will fill any role to help the team win. Wakefield notches 15 saves during the 1999 season before Derek Lowe assumes the role of closer.
2003 ALCS Games 1 and 4: Wakefield pitches brilliantly against the Yankees in Game 1 and Game 4, winning both over Mike Mussina while giving up just 3 earned runs in 13 innings pitched. His appearance in Game 7 was one Red Sox fans would rather forget.
2004 ALCS Game 5: Pitching in relief, Wakefield earns the win in a do-or-die elimination game. The game includes a memorable and nerve-racking 13th inning that saw Boston catcher Jason Varitek charged with 3 passed balls. Wakefield's line: 3 innings pitched, 0 earned runs.
Sept 11, 2005: Wakefield is a hard-luck loser in a 1-0 pitchers' duel with New York's Randy Johnson. Wakefield strikes out 12 Yankees in the nationally-televised game, a career high, while giving up just 3 hits over 9 innings.
May 1, 2006: The "Doug Mirabelli police escort game." As the legend goes, the Red Sox rushed newly-reacquired catcher Mirabelli to Fenway Park just in time for Wakefield's start against the Yankees. Wakefield pitches 7 innings, surrendering 3 earned runs in a no-decision. The Red Sox win the game, 7-3.
April 15, 2009: The 42-year-old Wakefield takes a no-hitter into the 8th inning against the Oakland A's en route to a complete-game win. Wakefield finishes his career with 33 complete games.