Timlin’s Red Sox career comes to a close
Posted by Alex Speier
DANA POINT, Calif.–Red Sox G.M. Theo Epstein said that he had an extensive conversation with reliever Mike Timlin towards the end of the 2008 campaign. At that time, Timlin was leaning towards returning for another season in 2009, though the pitcher and Epstein reached “a mutual understanding that Boston probably wouldn’t be the best fit for him going forward, that there would be other places with greater opportunities.”
“But what a career that guy had in Boston,” Epstein said. “He was really the staple down there for us–very reliable, very effective, a big part of two World Series teams. We should not let the offseason go by without tipping our cap to him.”
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Good. He was clutch a few years back, but now…the time has come for him to move on or retire I think.
rebecca
4 Nov 08 at 10:12 am
I agree Rebecca. Timlin was a great member of this team, but time has caught up to him. To Mike Timlin, thank you for your service and good luck in your future endeavors.
Mike
4 Nov 08 at 12:43 pm
Mike Timlin should be remembered as one of key components in two great World Champion teams. He delivered some of the biggest performances in Sox history and helped build a framework that young Sox pitchers will benefit from for years to come. His presence in an around the community was above and beyond the call. I hope he retires and takes a job in the Sox organization. Well done Mike.
Mark
4 Nov 08 at 12:50 pm
I too would like to see you in a RED SOX uniform as a coach or assistant. A great big THANK YOU from me and good luck in the future for you and your family.
NH PAUL
4 Nov 08 at 1:08 pm
Mike Timlin was and is always a class act.
Thanks Mike, for all you have done for Red Sox Nation.
Roger
4 Nov 08 at 1:25 pm
I agree with the other replies that Mike Timlin was crucial to the success of the Sox during his tenure in Boston. Too bad the fast ball lost its movement because he was still hitting 92-94 mph. Grady Little should have turned to him in “crucial” situations.
Best of luck to a great pitcher.
PS: Who takes over leading the “orchestra” in the bullpen?????
George
4 Nov 08 at 1:27 pm
mike thanks for being a cog inthe wheel known as the red sox bullpen, it would be great to see you as a coach working with the kids,
sue
4 Nov 08 at 1:31 pm
Class Act - I wish him the best!
Carl
4 Nov 08 at 1:39 pm
Thanks Mike ! I hope upon your retirement, you can become a coach within the Red Sox organization. Living in Portland, it would be great to see you offering your advice to the younger players in the Sea Dogs organization. Good luck in the future Mike and God Bless you and your family. Again, a big thank you for all you’ve done for the Red Sox.
Ken
4 Nov 08 at 1:49 pm
Thanks for all the great memories, nothing but the best in your retirement, hope to see you on NESN.
CT Dave
4 Nov 08 at 1:51 pm
Thanks Mike - Red Sox Nation is what it is because of your class act! Best wishes to you and your family.
TX Pat
4 Nov 08 at 2:21 pm
good luck mike. hope to see you on nesn
genessa
4 Nov 08 at 2:47 pm
MT has been a huge competitor for us, and has made tremendous contributions to the Sox success since 2003. Wish Mike the very best for the remainder of his career, and thank him for representing the Sox with class and ultimate professionalism!
SCLUCAS
4 Nov 08 at 2:55 pm
Thanks Mike
karen
4 Nov 08 at 4:20 pm
Mike Timlin-even though it’s already been said -let me do it again. You are a great great human being. You were a huge part of why we did what had never done since 1918-you had already won a World Series before us, and you helped us win two. You and Tim Wakefield are to me what all ballplayers should strive to become. You two are the ultimate, consumate team players and I know you two are great friends. I hope you keep your friendship throughout your golden years and you find peace and contentment. BUT BEFORE YOU DO THAT, please work as a coach for our organization, you can still impact our team in a huge, huge way. You get it…you understand how important winning was/is to us. You gave your heart to us and all you had in the most competitive sense of the word compete…on that field. Off the field you went tremendously above and beyond and I believe that you are a big reason why we have so many present day athletes in our organization giving back to the community. Why wouldn’t they- they had a great role model to show them how. Mike- I have no doubt that you will read these comments so I ask that you enjoy them, because we all tried to put our heart out to you as you did to us. Last comment I have is that in my Red Sox Room, I have some of my cheished tickets to Red Sox games attended. I am looking at the 456th consecutive sellout celebration ticket and I was there and you were there at the gate thanking me for attending September 8, 2008. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU, and I hope we haven’t seen the last of you in Boston!
Brent Hammond
4 Nov 08 at 7:22 pm
thanks, mike. let me echo all the other comments regarding hoping to see you in and around the organization. kudos to you for a stalwart career in boston.
jane steiner
5 Nov 08 at 8:12 am
Hello Mike, I always looked forward to when you were on the mound. Just wanted you to know you are my All-Time Favorite Red Sox Pitcher and you will be missed. Thank You for all your hard work. Best of fortune to you in the future as a RED SOX COACH!!!
Dan Cournoyer
5 Nov 08 at 12:49 pm