As sports fans we tend to overlook a lot of things with our teams, but more specifically, we tend to overlook certain players and how much they actually mean to us. I got thrown on this train of thought when it was announced that at the age of 42, Boston Red Sox knuckle baller Tim Wakefield would be making his first ever trip to an All-Star game.
I was geeked out when I found this out. Not only has Wakefield been outstanding this season, but he’s completely changed my perception as a coinflip as to whether the Sox would win or lose. But this made me look back at the 15 years Wakefield has been in Boston, and realize that regardless of anything aside from the Green Monster, Wake has been the one reliable part of any Red Sox season.
Its easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of an All-Star game. You’ve got the consistent big names there Manny Ramirez Alex Rodriguez of Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki and yet amongst all of the bright lights and stars, you’ve got a middle-aged pitcher with a fastball that tops out at 75, who started his career as a first baseman for the Pirates, and he’s probably having the best time there.
I’m happy for Wake, and this year has made me appreciate him more than I ever thought I could (kind of like how you rely on Cinemax for late night goodies, then one night your stuck with a box of tissues wondering how you got suckered into “Code Name: The Cleaner”). My point: consistency makes you comfortable and neglegent, even as sports fans. Which reminds me, I need to write Cinemax some thank you notes …
Now before I get bashed for making something to be bigger than it really is, pay attention to the following: barring injury at some point in the next season and a half, Wakefield will own the Red Sox records for wins, games started and innings pitched. Maybe we have all overlooked this because he also owns Boston records for walks and losses, but come on, let’s look at the big picture.
So when you’re watching the All-Star game tonight, and you see a guy with a funny pitch and a mid-90s goatee, remember how long it took him to get there, and don’t take it for granted.