It hasn't happened in a Major League game of any sort since 2017, and not in Boston since 2016, but one of the more beloved Red Sox players of the last decade officially announced his retirement this week. Koji Uehara only spent four seasons in Boston, but his infectious smile and found dominance in the closer role made him an integral part of the 2013 World Series champions.
As we look back on his tenure with the Sox, here are the five things -- individual moments or otherwise -- that we'll remember:
6) His Twitter:
Sure, every tweet is in Japanese, but it was always amusing (and still is) to see just what's going on with Koji, who flashes his personality and sense on humor on the social media site. Use that translate button and enjoy one of the bigger personalities the Red Sox have had since the Idiots of 2004.
5) 2013 ALCS:
Lost amidst the World Series and his eye-popping regular season numbers is that Koji was the MVP of the ALCS victory over the Tigers. Appearing in five of the six games, Koji tossed a combined six scoreless innings, allowing four hits, no walks and striking out nine Detroit hitters.
In Game 2 he collected the win as the Sox walked off on Jarrod Saltalamacchia's single, while he nabbed saves in Games 3, 5 and the clincher in 6.
4) The 2013 regular season:
Uehara became the Boston closer on June 26, a 5-3 win over Colorado. After three months of uncertainty in the back half of the bullpen, Koji locked it down in historic fashion. From the time he was named closer, he was automatic.
In 41 appearances he converted 20 of 22 saves, in 44.1 innings allowed 14 hits, TWO earned runs, struck out 59 and walked two. Opponents hit .097 against him in that stretch, and just .130 for the season. For context, the legendary Mariano Rivera's lowest opponent batting average for a single season was .165. Then in the postseason he allowed just a single run in 13.2 innings, walking nobody and striking out 16.
3) 2013 World Series, Game 4:
With the Sox up 2-1 in the series and nursing a 4-2 lead in the ninth, Koji allowed a one-out single to right by Allen Craig. After Matt Carpenter popped out, it brought the tying run to the plate in the form of Carlos Beltran, one of the most feared postseason hitters of this generation, even at age 36, when he was named an All-Star.
Alas, the future Hall of Famer didn't get a chance to put the ball in play, as Uehara made a lightning quick throw to first to pickoff pinch runner Kolten Wong, ending the game and giving Boston a 3-1 series lead.
2) High Five City:
Before there was "Win, Dance, Repeat" or "Do Damage" there was High Five City. Aside from all of the on-field dominance, Boston embraced Koji's propensity for A+ high fives after wins. And more times than not (okay, a LOT more than not) a #HighFiveCity meant Uehara was entering the game, and Boston had effectively won. In 2013 there was nothing quite like a mega-watt smile and a high-five after a Red Sox win.
1) 2013 World Series, Game 6:
With the Red Sox up 6-1 and three outs away from another championship, John Farrell left no room for doubt by bringing in Uehara. Naturally, it was a breeze of an inning, as Jon Jay and Daniel Descalso flied out to left, and Matt Carpenter struck out on that devastating splitter. The image of Uehara pointing into the night sky won't soon be forgotten.
