Red Sox hire Keith Foulke as consultant

Former Boston Red Sox closer Keith Foulke has returned to the organization as a consultant who will work with minor league relievers.

The Boston Red Sox are bringing another one of their World Series heroes back home.

Former closer Keith Foulke confirmed via Twitter that he is joining the Red Sox as a player-development consultant, working with relief pitchers at the minor league level.

The 43-year old spent three seasons in Boston, notching 47 saves and posting a 3.73 ERA in a Red Sox uniform. His brilliance in 2004, when he saved 32 games to go along with a 2.17 ERA, was a key component in Boston’s first World Series title in 86 years. Foulke threw the final pitch that clinched the title for the Red Sox before jumping into the arms of catcher Jason Varitek in celebration, which remains one of the lasting images of that historic postseason run.

Foulke didn’t leave Boston on the best of terms following a pair of disappointing seasons to end his tenure with the Red Sox. Fans turned on him after he made some insulting comments in retaliation for the Fenway Faithful showering him with boos in the midst of his worst season since he was a rookie. Needless to say, Johnny from Burger King wasn’t sorry to see him go.

Time has a habit of mending old wounds, so a decade later the franchise has welcomed him back with open arms. The former All-Star should be a valuable resource for young relievers in the farm system to lean on as he shares with them the knowledge he gathered on the mound over his 11-year career.

Foulke becomes the latest member of that 2004 championship team to return to the organization to work in some capacity following their retirement, joining Varitek, Pedro Martinez and Tim Wakefield. Perhaps they will add David Ortiz to that list shortly after he completes the final season of his epic career.

Next: Day Red Sox sent Ted Williams to minors

Now who is going to check to see what Kevin Millar is up to?