GEORGETOWN, TEXAS - Southwestern University former standout pitcher Mike Timlin 88' was recently announced as one of three 2026 inductees into the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. The star-studded class of Boston legends included Jon Lester, Johnny Damon, and Timlin. Timlin dominated on the mound for head coach Jim Mallon for three seasons in 1985, 1986, and 1987. The native of Midland, Texas was inducted into the Southwestern Hall of Fame in 2010.

Timlin was drafted in 1987 by the Toronto Blue Jays, flourishing into an 18-year career from 1991 to 2008. He earned four World Series championship rings—two with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993 and two with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007. His first championship in 1992 was truly memorable as he was called on to get the final out for the Blue Jays in Game 6 against the Atlanta Braves to win the World Series. The Boston Red Sox declared April 19, 2009, Mike Timlin Day at Fenway Park in recognition of his stellar six-year career with their organization and had him throw out the ceremonial first pitch. In 2007, Timlin was awarded the prestigious Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, given to players who best exemplify Lou Gehrig's character and integrity both on and off the field.

He finished his career with the Red Sox from 2003-2008, serving as a core piece in both the 2004 and 2007 World Series title runs. The righty totaled 1,058 big league appearances and concluded his career ranked first all-time in relief appearances by a right-handed pitcher before being passed by Mariano Rivera. 

"It's actually kind of overwhelming," said Timlin to MLB.com reporter Ian Browne. "I never thought I would ever be considered in such elite and great company when you look at the names on the list. But when I first came here in 2003, being from the South, I thought the Northeast was never welcoming. Now that I've spent so much time here in Boston, this is my second home."

Timlin spent three seasons with the Pirates originally as an outfielder before being converted to a pitcher. As the ace pitcher for the Pirates, he appeared in 51 games and threw a no-hitter in his final season. In 1987 he set a school record of 11 completed games. However, Timlin flourished and improved year-by-year after being drafted in the fifth round. 

At the Southwestern Hall of Fame Induction, Jim Mallon was quoted saying "before his junior year, Mike was not even a blimp on the radar of professional baseball. His junior year, we went down to University of Texas and Mike pitched an outstanding game and my phone never quit ringing after that day."