One of my favorite Timlin pictures of all time - taken by Stan Grossfeld
I don’t think it’s speaking out of school to mention that Mike Timlin and I have a mutual friend. I think I’ve written before about the first time I was introduced to Mike (in the middle of a game, at the bullpen!) so I don’t feel like I’m divulging anything I’m uncomfortable letting people in on.
Not too long ago, that friend emailed me that he had taken Mike and his family to the airport. They were off to Colorado since the season was over. My friend was sad about that and also indicated, or at least implied, that Mike wouldn’t be back. Which bummed me out, but it was something I expected so I didn’t take it too hard.
This though? I don’t know HOW to feel about it.
.
Epstein said that Mike Timlin wants to pitch next season, but it won’t be in Boston. Epstein found it remarkable that Timlin spent six seasons with the Red Sox.
I am totally not prepared for Mike Timlin to continue pitching and have it not be in Boston. Having written that, if this had happened after 2006, I would have been devastated. After 2007, it would have upset me, but I would have understood it from both sides and dealt with it fine. Now? I suppose there IS a part of me that believes Mike still has something to contribute to a team. But there’s a more selfish part of me that thinks another year of wear and tear on his body is going to diminish what he’s accomplished in his career and I don’t want to see that. I also really, REALLY wanted to see him retire as a Red Sox player.
You can’t always get what you want, eh?
Speaking of which, today is Election Day in the United States. If you haven’t already, please go out and vote. I’m not here to tell you which candidate to vote for. (That’s what my Facebook page is for ;) ) But I do think it’s important that everyone get out and make their voice heard. There are so many who don’t have this amazing privilege – don’t waste it. Especially you women! 1920 wasn’t SO long ago!
One last word on Mike. Ultimately, as not only a fan of the Red Sox, but a fan of his as well, I’ll support whatever he decides. So be prepared for updates on the Orioles or Rockies or whichever team he might end up with! Good luck, Mike!
Comments 9
Timlin not coming back to the Red Sox. In the 2006 off season, I voiced an opinion that I would not bring him back for the 07 season. He made a damn fool out of me, and contributed to another World Series. I can live with that kind of mistake.
2008 was another story.
Relegated to a mop up, sacrificial role, Timlin was a shadow of himself in years past. His time in Boston was coming to an end, and he even hinted at retirement not too long ago.
Seeking out another team reminds me that there is a fine line between a guy who believes he can still perform at the highest level, and those who cannot see that their time to step aside has come. We’ve seen that in too many sports, where the ego some how gets mixed up with the desire and ability.
The criss-crossing emotions usually seem bound in an attempt to hold on to a greatness that perhaps can be recaptured. It’s been seen in other sports, where once greats were reduced to shells, and became sad to look at. Others, who used drugs to prolong careers, in pursuit of money and fame also become sad husks of what once was.
Looking at Timlin, I cannot help seeing this is where he is. He’s at the junction of decisions that may well come to label him as a hanger on, and become another sad story of an athlete who could not recognize when it was time to hang em up.
He’s been a good player for Boston, as well as other teams. He has rings. He has tons of friends in the game. He has the respect and admiration of people on and off the field. I’m hoping he realizes this. I’m also hoping that if he signs on with another team, he makes an ass out of me one more time.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 8:29 am ¶Tru -
I too share your comments on Mike Timlin. I really hope he doesn’t become a sad story by hanging on past his ability to perform at the highest level. His six years with the Red Sox have seen many accomplishments and he never quit on his team. I’ll always remember him as a favotite Red Sox player even though there were times this year when he would enter a game and I would wonder if we were going to see the “good” Mikey or the “bad” Mikey.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 9:26 am ¶It always breaks my heart to see a beloved Sox player spend their final year(s) with another team. (I will cry a river if Tek leaves…) That being said I can see why it’s so hard to let go and retire when it’s apparent to everyone else that the end has come. These guys have been playing since they were little kids, maybe since the age of 6 or 7 years. They live with the cycles of the season. This has been their life as long as they can remember and it has to be extremely hard to let it all go. You have to find your identity again. I wish Mike Timlin a great deal of luck in anything he chooses to do. He’s been nothing but good to us. Cheers to Mike and thank you.
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 3:59 pm ¶Oh Cyn I heard this news on the radio and immediately thought of you and how your heart would be breaking. I just don’t want to see Mike in another uniform. I also feel exactly as the others have posted here that it must be so hard to hang it up when the time rears it ugly head. It will kill me to see Timlin with any other team but the Red Sox. It will hurt even more to see him out there and just not being able to get the job done. I’m hoping he changes his mind and retires. Curt…are you listening?
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 10:52 pm ¶I’ll miss Timlin when he goes. More than just the obvious reason…like Cruiser, I hope he hangs his hat up when he should and not hang on when he shouldn’t
Posted 04 Nov 2008 at 11:31 pm ¶Well said, Tex.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 4:02 am ¶Good Luck, Mike. The Bullpen Pirates won’t be the same.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 7:32 pm ¶i hope Timlin leaves the flag
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 9:43 pm ¶I’m not sure that the flag is his to take…but I worry about a custody battle over Parlay the Parrot.
Posted 05 Nov 2008 at 11:40 pm ¶