Yes, of course, the Red Sox should retire Tim Wakefield’s No. 49.
Do it next season, on the 20th anniversary of the 2004 World Series championship, when he was that extraordinary team’s foremost embodiment of faith and resilience rewarded.
Maybe even attach a fitting special exception to the honor. Retire the number — which has been out of circulation since Wakefield’s retirement following the 2011 season — but permit any knuckleballer on the roster to wear it, should another come along.
Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm wore No. 49 with the Giants. Other knuckleballers who wore the digits include Charlie Hough and Tom Candiotti.