In a famous “Seinfeld” episode, George Costanza bought someone a salad and fretted to make sure everyone knew of his act of charity.
It is not unusual for those who confer a benefit or provide a charitable act to prefer and even seek recognition for their good deed.
Then there are those who are the perpetual givers – and stay below the radar screen. Their satisfaction comes from within and as long as those in need receive needed help and support, these providers are satisfied.
Tim Wakefield would never have made it as an character on “Seinfeld.” He would have bought the salad, dressing and even the croutons and given it to the hungry recipient then slipped out the side door. And then, more than likely, he would have checked the next day to see if the dressing was the right kind.
Too many athletes receive hero worship regardless of whether they donate any spare time for those less fortunate. Then there are those that as a function of their celebrity, assist others on occasion and usually have a presentation ceremony in promotion of their generosity.
Then there are the few – like Tim Wakefield – who silently went about his charitable efforts with little or no fanfare and the only relevant factor was whether a few sick kids had a better day. It didn’t matter to Wakefield whether anyone knew he bought the lettuce, the tomatoes, the peppers, onions or dressing. He just wanted to make sure that those who needed a “salad” – got one. He gave a lot of “salads” to many little kids, made them smile and never asked for a photo-op for his contribution.
Wakefield’s number should be retired for the Red Sox next spring. His legacy should remain a permanent part of Fenway.
Steve Kramer is an attorney and former assistant attorney general in Massachusetts from 1980 to 1987.
