Josh Beckett savors the outdoors. Hunting and fishing fill up much of his retirement days. Some are spent playing golf with his 5-year-old son. It’s a simple but sweet life with his wife, Holly, and their three children on a small ranch outside of San Antonio, Texas.
As his son drains putts on the green, Beckett notices something. A carefree disposition in the child. A lack of pressure. Beckett sees a younger version of himself. His mind is brought back two decades, back to when he was a 23-year-old starting pitcher for the Florida Marlins.
“Maybe there’s some validity behind not knowing what you’re doing,” Beckett told The Athletic in a phone interview.
One recent morning, Beckett is on the road driving. As he steers through the Texas roads, he’s keen to open up about the 2003 Marlins. His answers are drawn out, his tone enthusiastic. Certain memories bring laughter. Time may have passed, but the magnitude of his accomplishment isn’t lost upon him.
Wednesday marks the 20th anniversary of the night Beckett cemented his place in baseball history: Game 6 of the 2003 World Series against a Yankees lineup that featured Derek Jeter, Alfonso Soriano, Jorge Posada, Jason Giambi and Bernie Williams. Starting on three days’ rest with his team one win from the franchise’s…
