It wasn't that long ago that the sports pages of the nation's newspapers were a place to go to escape the grim realties of life that were contained in the news sections. Today, however, chances are that if you turn to the sports page, you'll find a story about steroid tests, or the latest pro athlete who's demanding a new contract.

Here in Boston, we have happier things to think about. A new baseball season is under way, but you can't blame members of Red Sox nation if they're still daydreaming about the ultimate feel-good story that played itself out last October. The entire organization deserves our praise and congratulations for Reversing the Curse and giving us memories to last a lifetime.

And here at Franciscan Hospital for Children, we have a special rooting interest in one member of that team, a man who in his words and deeds has shown himself to be the absolute antithesis of the stereotypical spoiled, rich athlete.

I speak of Tim Wakefield, the veteran knuckle-baller who is now in his second decade with the team. As he moves up the franchise's all-time list of pitching milestones, his contributions to our organization and to the entire community are even more impressive.

Recently, Tim signed a new contract with the team, one that surprised and puzzled some observers. Why? Instead of just shouting "Show me the money!," Tim agreed to a deal that basically left it up to the Sox to decide whether or not to retain his services beyond next season. He did it because he wants to stay with this team in this city, period, rather than just picking up and going to the highest bidder.

If that doesn't tell you all you need to know about Tim, consider this: as part of his new contract, Tim will donate $100 for every strikeout he records in 2005, to be divided equally between Franciscan Hospital for Children and the Jimmy Fund. In announcing Tim's signing, Red Sox Senior Vice President and General Manager Theo Epstein said: "His continuing contributions to the success of the franchise on the field are matched only by his dedication to community service."

That dedication will be symbolized by a giant baseball that will adorn the wall of the hospital lobby, with K's to be posted on it for each of Tim's strikeouts.

This is just the latest gift Tim has bestowed on our hospital. He sponsors the Wakefield Warrior program, wherein he takes one of our patients to every home game. The youngster gets to take a photo with Tim, watch batting practice and then take in the game. Last summer, Tim and his teammate Johnny Damon participated in the 'Pitching In For Kids' All-Star Charity Golf Classic annual golf tournament, which benefits our hospital and the Ron Burton Training Village.

Tim is also a six-time nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, presented annually to the major leaguer who best combines baseball skills with devoted work in the community.

What we have in Boston is by far the greatest period in sports history in more than 86 years. We are home to the three-time Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots, and the 2004 World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox.

But it is the contributions of celebrated sports "heroes" like Tim Wakefield that truly define the heart of a community. Seasons may come and go, but, fortunately for Franciscan Hospital for Children and for so many others, we have a true hero--a man for all seasons-- in Tim Wakefield.

Paul Dellarocco is President and CEO of Franciscan Hospital for Children.