My first real memory of Wake sticks with me not just because of his incredible pitching performance, but what he said to the fans after the game.  It was the 2003 ALCS against the Yankees.  He allowed 3 runs in 13 innings and started games 1 and 4 winning both.  He was brought in for relief in game 7 after the Yankees had come back from a 5-2 deficit to tie the game.  He gave up a home run to Aaron Boone his first pitch of the 11th inning propelling the Yankees to the World Series.  What sticks with me the most about this performance was that he apologized to us Sox fans after the game for that home run.  The only thing I could think of for months was that right there.  I personally feel that he didn't owe us any apology considering how much he did for our Sox and this incredible fan base in games 1 and 4.  He has the heart and desire to win that he was willing to take on the burden of a loss even though he wasn't the man who gave up the 3 runs to tie the game to begin with.  It even almost reminded me of my feelings toward Bill Buckner and Bob Stanley.  You win as a team and you lose as a team.  Everybody makes mistakes but you can't let one single mistake shadow how great of a human being and ball player you really are.  A lot of people understandably see past 2003 because of 2004 when Tim and the rest of our Sox battled the dreaded Yankees to the death.  We exacted our revenge and Mr. Wakefield was able to gain his closure after 2003.  2003 ALCS needs to be remembered for the greatness, heart and desire it held.  I can't forget to mention his willingness to give up his starting role for game 4 in 2004 to pitch relief in game 3. 

The biggest thing that we cannot over-look is his ability to do for others and not obsess over himself or his "celebrity".

"Wakefield is well known throughout Major League Baseball as one of its most charitable players. He has been nominated many times by the Red Sox for the Roberto Clemente Award, presented to the player who best reflects the spirit of giving back to the community. Since 1998, Wakefield has partnered with the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston to bring patients to Fenway Park to share time with him and on the field. He has also hosted an annual celebrity golf tournament for 15 years. Wakefield has also been active with New England's Pitching in for Kids organization (a program dedicated to improving the lives of children across the New England region), the Space Coast Early Intervention Center in Melbourne, Florida, and the Touch 'Em All Foundation founded by Garth Brooks.

In 2007, Wakefield released a charity wine called CaberKnuckle with 100% of the proceeds supporting Pitching In For Kids and raised more than $100,000."

Wikipedia, I feel, doesn't exactly express just what he has really done for the New England area and baseball.  I couldn't even begin to express just how great of a man he is.

"Through 2007, Wakefield is one of ten pitchers with 100 or more wins in a Red Sox uniform (158), ranking third behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens (tied with 192). "

My most recent memory of Wakefield sacrifice was in the 2007 World Series when he gave up his spot in the rotation just so that Jon Lester could pitch.  His ability to see past himself and help others is immeasurable.  These are just a few of the reasons I admire Tim Wakefield and why he will always be on my all-time favorites list.  True dedication and leadership and will to do good for others are a few traits that many MLB players these days need to take after.  He has done such a great job of turning a gift from God into a gift for others.  He is unselfish in his ways and will always be this way.  In my eyes, he's up there with heroes like Ted Williams.  When he retires from baseball, his number needs to be hanging along with the rest because he expresses what baseball should be about.  For 13 years he has provided Red Sox fans with entertainment and New England with heart and compassion.   Never forget what he represents and what his intentions are.  He has never whined about injury or attempted a cop-out after a loss.  One can only hope to be as great of a man as Tim Wakefield is.  He will always offer a smile and open arms to those who need it most.

Tim Wakefield.  A living legend.