OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - WIN AT ALL COSTS! The 2004 Boston Red Sox

AZTarHeel · 07-02-2004, 05:05 PM

Wakefield's season is done
Back injury sidelines Marlin knuckleballer for rest of 2004

The Miami Herald * July 20, 2004

It’s been a rough nine months or so for Florida pitcher Tim Wakefield.

First, he serves up the winning home run to Aaron Boone in the 11th inning of Game 7 of last year’s ALCS while wearing a Boston uniform.

Then, after a promising start to 2004, he lost the movement on his famed knuckleball, and opponents started teeing off. Boston management became so disenchanted, they traded their pitcher of 10 years to Miami in favor of younger, hard throwing pitchers last month.

As if the brunt of that trade wasn’t enough, Wakefield suffered a season-ending injury just three starts into his career with his new team. That came last night in the fifth inning against the Mets.

Wakefield, who said he is now mulling retirement, ends his season at 5-5 with a 6.43 ERA. His last five decisions were all losses. His last win came two months ago while still in Boston.

“I can’t explain to you how disappointing this year has turned out for me,” Wakefield said. “I may just hang it up from here…”

07-02-2004, 05:05 PM	#220 (permalink)
AZTarHeel All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,199	Wakefield's season is done Back injury sidelines Marlin knuckleballer for rest of 2004 The Miami Herald July 20, 2004* It’s been a rough nine months or so for Florida pitcher Tim Wakefield. First, he serves up the winning home run to Aaron Boone in the 11th inning of Game 7 of last year’s ALCS while wearing a Boston uniform. Then, after a promising start to 2004, he lost the movement on his famed knuckleball, and opponents started teeing off. Boston management became so disenchanted, they traded their pitcher of 10 years to Miami in favor of younger, hard throwing pitchers last month. As if the brunt of that trade wasn’t enough, Wakefield suffered a season-ending injury just three starts into his career with his new team. That came last night in the fifth inning against the Mets. Wakefield, who said he is now mulling retirement, ends his season at 5-5 with a 6.43 ERA. His last five decisions were all losses. His last win came two months ago while still in Boston. “I can’t explain to you how disappointing this year has turned out for me,” Wakefield said. “I may just hang it up from here…”