Tim Wakefield
Tim Wakefield has one of the nastiest knuckleballs in Major League history. The Boston Red Sox right-hander has won 199 games at this writing , 185 for the Bosox. Now 44, he is in his 17th season with Boston. Beyond the field, Wakefield is heavily involved in a number of charities and good works. He won baseball’s prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2010. With his wife, Stacy, he has given back to the Boston and New England communities along with the Melbourne, Fl. community. He created The Wakefield Warriors program in 1998, which continues to enable patients from the Franciscan Hospital for Children and the Jimmy Fund to visit with him and watch batting practice before all Tuesday games at Fenway Park. For the last 19 years, has hosted the Annual Tim Wakefield Celebrity Golf Classic in Melbourne, benefitting the Space Coast Early Intervention Center, a unique non-profit therapeutic pre-school program for children with special needs who are paired with children without any special needs. He has also co-hosted the Pitching in for Kids Charity Golf Tournament and Kickoff Party with teammate Jason Varitek for the past several years and served as co-captain of the Jimmy Fund with Clay Buchholz in 2010. During spring training in Fort Myers, Fl., Wakefield plays in the Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Celebrity Golf Classic. In addition to the Clemente Award, has been honored with several awards for community service. In January 2010, received the Bart Giamatti Award from the Baseball Assistance Team, presented annually to an individual who shows how much they care for others in the community. He was presented with the Larry Lucchino Public Service Award from the North End Community Health Center in 2009.
Handicap? I’m a 4.
Where’s your home course? I play at Black Rock Country Club on Orchid Island, Fl.
How often do you get to play? I feel like I never get to play enough.
Best round ever and where? I shot a 70 in Toronto somewhere. But I can’t remember the course.
When did you take up the game? I first got into golf when I was in my teens but didn’t get serious until I was in the minor leagues.
Any holes-in-one? Yes, one. I aced the 162-yard fourth hole at Duran Golf Club in Viera, FL.
What is your favorite course in Massachusetts? The Boston Golf Club in Hingham.
How about a favorite course anywhere? My favorite course anywhere would be Augusta National Golf Club.
What is the best thing about your golf game? I would say the best thing about my game is my short iron play and my putting.
What’s your weakness? Driving the ball is my weakness, at least right now.
Why do you enjoy the game? The reason I enjoy golf so much is that it is the only game that you can call a penalty on yourself. It’s all about honesty and integrity.
How about a favorite moment on a golf course? Making that hole in one.
What’s your most embarrassing moment on a golf course? I would have t say not getting a tee shot past the ladies tees one time.
Your dream foursome of pro golfers? My dream foursome of golfers to hang out and play with would be Jack Nicklaus, Arnie Palmer, Bobby Jones, and Tiger Woods.
Your dream foursome made up of baseball players? That’s John Smoltz, Jim Rice, Greg Maddux and me.
Who is the best baseball player/golfer you have played with? John Smoltz
Are you involved with any charity golf tournaments? I am involved with two charity tournaments, one in Boston and one in Melbourne, Fl. Jason Varitek is also involved in the one in Boston, which was played June 2 this year at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy.
Who is your favorite professional golfer and why? I admire Ernie Els. I like the way he swings so effortlessly, and how involved he is in his community. I love the way he gives back.
