A key contributor from the Toronto Blue Jays’ historic back-to-back World Series championships is set to receive Hall of Fame recognition.
Former Blue Jays reliever Mike Timlin has been named to the Boston Red Sox’s 2026 organizational Hall of Fame class, a fitting honor for a pitcher whose career bridged two championship dynasties and spanned nearly two decades in Major League Baseball.
From Toronto Blue Jays draft pick to postseason fixture
Timlin was drafted by Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 1987 MLB Draft out of Southwestern University and made his major league debut in 1991.
He quickly established himself as a dependable arm, appearing in 63 games during his rookie season while posting a 3.16 ERA across more than 108 innings.
That performance earned him appearances in the American League Championship Series and a sixth-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting.
Key role in Toronto’s championship years
While Timlin split time between the minors and majors in 1992, he earned a postseason roster spot during one of the most iconic seasons in franchise history.
He appeared in both the ALCS and the World Series, recording the final out of the championship when he fielded an Otis Nixon bunt to first base, sealing Toronto Blue Jays’ first title.
Timlin remained part of the bullpen during the Blue Jays’ 1993 repeat run, earning his second World Series ring.
Across seven seasons in Toronto, he made 305 appearances, compiling a 3.62 ERA while recording 52 saves and becoming a steady presence during the franchise’s most successful era.
A second championship legacy in Boston
After stints with several clubs, Timlin joined the Red Sox ahead of the 2003 season. His impact in Boston proved just as significant.
Over six seasons, he became a crucial bullpen piece during the team’s 2004 and 2007 World Series runs, earning two additional championship rings.
Timlin finished his Red Sox career with a 3.76 ERA over 409 innings and set a franchise mark for postseason appearances, pitching in 28 playoff games.
His reliability in high-leverage moments cemented his standing in Boston Red Sox baseball history.
A career defined by longevity and consistency
Timlin pitched until age 42 and retired after 18 major league seasons. He ranks eighth all-time in MLB history with 1,058 appearances, fifth in Red Sox history, and 15th in Toronto Blue Jays history.
His Hall of Fame induction celebrates a career built on durability, postseason excellence, and championship pedigree.