Keith Foulke Retires

Although he signed a $5M, 1-year deal with the Cleveland Indians in January, Keith Foulke has decided to retire. Despite the unfortunate negativity surrounding Foulke over the past two seasons due to his drastic decline and performance coupled with a few brainless comments and an apparent complete lack of interest in baseball, Foulke has a very special place in the hearts of many Sox fans.

Foulke was instrumental in the Sox' World Series win in 2004. He was the WS MVP - an absolutely stellar postseason performance in which he pitched a ton of innings and was nails the entire time. I used to love, love, love watching him pitch. I loved the fact that he wasn't a typical closer; I loved the way he made batters looks off-balance and silly with his nasty changeup low and just off the plate. I remember back in 2003 when he played for the A's; watching him close games and thinking, "Man, if only the Sox had a closer like that." And then we did. And the rest is history.

Foulke could easily have showed up to Spring Training and half-assed it this season to earn his $5M. He opted not to - I think that shows a strength of character that not too many baseball players have.

So cheers to you, Foulkie. Thanks for the memories and the trophy. Good luck.