Jonathan Papelbon Got an Awesome Tattoo to Honor Late Teammate Tim Wakefield

Papelbon created a fitting tribute to his former teammate.

Aug 8, 2011; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tim Wakefield (49) delivers a / Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

During his 17 seasons with with the Boston Red Sox, Tim Wakefield became one of the franchise's most beloved players. When the former All-Star died in October after a battle with brain cancer, tributes poured in from all corners. Jonathan Papelbon has repeatedly praised Wakefield, and now has a permanent tribute to his former teammate on his body.

Papelbon has added a tattoo honoring Wakefield to his shoulder. It features Wakefield's number, 49, with a halo above it and the word "Wake" underneath it.

Heart on his sleeve. And pitching shoulder, appropriately. Well done, @TheRealJPap58 pic.twitter.com/B0tIWTo2ev

— Tom Caron (@TomCaron) April 16, 2024

That's a beautiful tribute.

Papelbon and Wakefield were teammates in Boston from 2005 through the 2011 season. They won a World Series together in 2007, were both on the American League All-Star team in 2009 and are members of Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. It's safe to say Wakefield made an impression on Papelbon.

Wakefield was a beloved player in his time and that has continued since his death. The Red Sox are wearing a patch with his uniform number during 2024 season, which says a lot about his impact on the franchise. In a tragic turn of events, his widow, Stacy, died from pancreatic cancer on February 28, only months after her husband's death. The couple was honored on Opening Day this year in a ceremony that featured their daughter, Brianna, throwing out the first pitch.

Papelbon's tattoo is just the latest tribute to a player who won't soon be forgotten.