Tim Wakefield's career is one of the most impressive in MLB history. He is one of only five pitchers to make at least 200 starts with four different teams, and his 186 wins rank him in the top 100 of all-time. He was also a key contributor on two World Series-winning teams. With such an impressive resume, many are asking if Wakefield is a Hall of Fame pitcher.
In order to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, a player must have sustained excellence over a long period of time. Wakefield certainly meets this criteria, as his career spanned 17 seasons. He had a 3.30 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP over that span. He also made four All-Star appearances and won two Gold Glove awards.
In addition to his personal accomplishments, Wakefield was a key contributor to some of the most successful teams in MLB history. He was a member of the 1995 and 2004 Red Sox teams that won the World Series, as well as the 1997 Marlins team that won the NL pennant.
Given his long and successful career, Wakefield certainly has a case to make the Hall of Fame. However, his chances of making it are slim. He is unlikely to get enough votes from the Baseball Writers Association of America to make the Hall, and his case is further weakened by the fact that he was never a dominant pitcher.
Ultimately, whether or not Tim Wakefield makes it to the Hall of Fame is up to the voters. He certainly has a strong case, but it will be an uphill battle for him to get enough votes to make it.
The debate over whether or not former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield is deserving of induction into the Hall of Fame has been raging for years. Wakefield enjoyed a long and successful career in the Major Leagues, but his candidacy has been met with both support and opposition.
On the plus side, Wakefield was a reliable and consistent pitcher who contributed greatly to the success of the Red Sox over the course of his 19-year career. He was known for his ability to pitch deep into games, and he was an integral part of the Red Sox teams that won two World Series titles in 2004 and 2007. Additionally, Wakefield was an exemplary teammate who was always willing to help out his fellow players.
On the other hand, Wakefield's overall career numbers may not be good enough to warrant Hall of Fame induction. He never won a Cy Young Award, and he only made two All-Star teams during his career. Additionally, Wakefield's career ERA is slightly above the average for Hall of Fame starters. When compared to some of the other pitchers in his era, Wakefield may not measure up.
In the end, the decision of whether or not Tim Wakefield is a Hall of Famer is up for debate. While his tenure in Boston was impressive, his overall career numbers may not be good enough to earn him the honor. Ultimately, it will be up to the Hall of Fame voters to decide.
