Former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield becomes part of Freedom team

Date: 9/4/2012

GREATER SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union announces that it has begun a year-long partnership with Tim Wakefield, former pitcher of the Boston Red Sox. Wakefield will be the marketing partner of Freedom and his presence in Western Mass media will be exclusive only to Freedom.

"We are extremely proud to work with Tim, who was a tremendous player and sportsman throughout his career," Barry F. Crosby, president and CEO for Freedom Credit Union, said. "Just as Freedom remains loyal to our members, Tim remains loyal to the Red Sox organization and Red Sox Nation, while continuing his work with numerous charities. We are looking forward to a terrific partnership with him."

Freedom has already started advertising with Wakefield on television and radio and will include him in newspaper ads next month.

Wakefield pitched for the Red Sox for 17 years and ranks third among Boston pitchers in total wins for the club and second in strikeouts. In 2010, he was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, which is given to the Major League player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team." Throughout his career, Wakefield was nominated for the award eight times.

Freedom Credit Union was originally chartered in 1922 as the Western Massachusetts Telephone Workers Credit Union.

Since 2004, the credit union has grown to include eight convenient branches throughout the Pioneer Valley in Chicopee, Easthampton, Feeding Hills, Greenfield, Northampton, Sixteen Acres, Springfield and Turners Falls.

This month, Freedom's ninth branch will open in Ludlow. Freedom offers a complete range of banking services including online banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business services, and financial planning services.