FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
B.A.A. to Present 2012 Patriots' Award to Tim Wakefield
BOSTON - Since 2002, the B.A.A. and the City of Boston have presented the
Patriots' Award at the official opening ceremony kicking off Boston
Marathon weekend: "Cheers to the Boston Marathon." On Thursday evening at
The Hampshire House, recently retired Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield will
receive the 2012 honor.
Awarded to a New England-based individual, group, or organization that is
patriotic, philanthropic, inspirational, and fosters goodwill and
sportsmanship, the Patriots' Award further unifies the Boston Marathon with
Patriots' Day, the holiday on which the race has been held since 1897.
Wakefield is not able to be present to receive the honor, so accepting on
Wakefield's behalf will be Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino. Later in
the baseball season, the BAA will present Tim Wakefield with the 2012
Patriots Award prior to a Red Sox home game.
Among his work in the community, Wakefield has been active with the
nonprofit "Pitching in for Kids," which provides grants to improve the
lives of children across the New England region and encourages kids to
participate in special events to learn important life skills and the spirit
of helping others in a community.
Wakefield has received numerous other honors for his community involvement
over the years including having been the recipient of Major League
Baseball's 2010 Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the major league
player who gives back through community service and also excels on the
field. Wakefield was the Red Sox recipient eight times for his local,
community good works. He has been a frequent participant at Jimmy Fund and
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute fundraising events, and supporter of the
Franciscan Hospital for Children through The "Wakefield Warriors" program,
through which he provided tickets and met patients and their families
before Red Sox home games. Tim is also a strong supporter of The Red Sox
Foundation and MGH Home Base Program for wounded veterans returning from
Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Tim met
frequently with wounded warriors and appears in ads informing veterans and
their families about the confidential Home Base Program.
He started pitching in the major leagues in 1992 (Pittsburgh), and began
pitching for the Red Sox in 1995 where he was part of two World Series
teams (2004, 2007). He retired this spring after 17 years with the Red
Sox, after having where he compiled a career record of 200 wins, 180
losses. Tim is 3rd in Red Sox history for victories (186), trailing only Cy
Young and Roger Clemens. He also pitched the most innings (3,006) and made
the most starts in team history (430). Known as a rare knuckleball
pitcher, Wakefield is recognized as a player who was respected by fans and
community members alike for his positive attitude, respect for the game,
sportsmanship and his philanthropy.
The recipients of the award have been Robert and Myra Kraft and the New
England Patriots (2002); Red Auerbach and the Red Auerbach Youth Foundation
(2003); Ron Burton and the Ron Burton Training Village (2004); the Boston
Red Sox Foundation (2005); Rick and Dick Hoyt (2006); Joan Benoit Samuelson
(2007); Mike Andrews and the Jimmy Fund (2008); longtime Boston bartenders
and philanthropists Eddie Doyle and Tommy Leonard (2009); lifetime New
England Patriot and three-time Super Bowl Champion Tedy Bruschi (2010); and
Carol Fulp President & CEO The Partnership, Inc. (2011).
ABOUT THE B.A.A.
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit
organization with a mission of managing athletic events and promoting a
healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston
Marathon is the world's oldest annual marathon, and the organization
manages other local events and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and
year-round running programs. Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the
Boston Marathon has been John Hancock Financial. The Boston Marathon is
part of the World Marathon Majors along with the Virgin London Marathon,
BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the ING New York
City Marathon.
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