Tim Wakefield can empathize with the wide-eyed Little Leaguers in the middle of districts and their prospects for "Road to Williamsport."
But there is a difference.
The Red Sox knuckleballer's dream isn't a pipe dream — for our Little Leaguers it's just about a one-in-a-million-chance — any more.
It's for real. Wakefield, at 42, is finally an All-Star.
"I feel like I'm 12 again," said Wakefield. "I can't stop smiling. I still can't believe it's happening."
Get ready for the feel-good story of the 2009 All-Star Game in St. Louis. And to be honest, it couldn't have happened to a better guy.
The thing is, I would be all for a "charity case" to make each all-star team each season. Why not? Who cares if a potential Hall of Famer or long-time player, on his last legs, gets one last shot at the limelight?
Most guys in a Red Sox uniform would have nominated Wakefield for that spot, too, be it this year, next year, or whenever.
But what makes this trip to St. Louis so special is that Wakefield really deserves it. He truly is an all-star caliber pitcher this year.
"What is great about Wake is that he has assumed so many roles for this team throughout the years," said Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who sits two stalls away from Wakefield in the Red Sox clubhouse.
"He has pitched a lot of innings. He has started and then relieved the next day. He's gone to the bullpen and back to the rotation. He's had to give up the ball in the post-season because of injury," said Varitek. "And this year he has been as good as he's ever been and he pretty much saved us early in the season when we really needed a boost."
Wakefield is tied for the major-league lead in wins (11) and has made it past the fifth inning in nine of his last 10 starts. Among Sox pitchers, he has allowed fewer home runs (8) than every starter with 17 or more starts.
"That's very gratifying, knowing that this isn't a charity case," said Wakefield.
Wakefield has heard from so many people since the announcement was made last week that the number is too great to list, but there was one message he got that sticks out from the rest.
It was a text message on his cell phone that simply read, "Yahoo!"
The message came from fellow knuckleballer Charlie Hough, now a minor league pitching coach with the Inland Empire 66ers, the Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"That's all it said," smiled Wakefield. "He has been behind me for a long time. I really appreciate it. Only Charlie would send a message like that."
Wakefield said there was another message he received after the announcement was made. It was from Fenway Park fans when it was announced that he had made the team.
"I was stunned by the fans, really," said Wakefield. "I didn't know how they'd react. To be honest, they've always been behind me. I can't say one bad thing about them. I won't ever forget their reaction."
Wakefield also received a call from Red Sox majority owner John Henry. What made that call so stunning was the fact that Henry was on his honeymoon.
"He was in Italy and found time to congratulate me," said Wakefield. "Really, it's been overwhelming. Everybody has gone out of their way and it has made this even more special."
Wakefield's family has made the trek to St. Louis, including his wife, two children, and father and mother.
The first person he sought out in St. Louis was the person who named him to the team, Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon.
A few weeks ago, Maddon wouldn't commit on Wakefield's possible spot in the AL All-Star pitching staff, but he told me, "I am a big Wakefield fan."
Wakefield was surprised by Maddon's comment.
"I've walked by him and said 'Hi,' but I've never really had a conversation with Joe," said Wakefield. "You never know what people think of you, if they understand the work you've put in. I can't wait to see Joe and thank him."
Well, tonight will also be the night when baseball's finest thank him in return.
He has been a consummate pro since the day he arrived here in 1995, winning 16 games at the age of 29.
"Honestly, I haven't felt this good, physically, in a few years," said Wakefield. "I realize I'm 42, but I don't feel that old."
E-mail Bill Burt at bburt@eagletribune.com.
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