Keith Foulke Retires

Keith Foulke retired from baseball today, right before opening spring training with the Cleveland Indians. Foulke, who pitched for the Red Sox from 2004-2006 and was an instrumental part of the 2004 World Series winner, was hampered in both 2005 and 2006 with knee and elbow injuries reportedly has been experiencing elbow pain. He signed with Cleveland this winter and was expected to compete for the closer job with the Indians. Although the 2005 and 2006 seasons were frustrating for Foulke, without him the Red Sox would not have won the '04 World Series. Foulke had 32 saves in 2004. He pitched through pain during the playoffs and that pain grew into knee problems which have now led to the end of his career. Many will remember his failures and less-than-pleasant attitude during the past two seasons but his determination and gutsy pitching in 2004 is what he should truly be remembered for in Boston.