Beloved former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield passed away at the age of 57, the team announced on Sunday. Wakefield had been with the organization for 29 years, serving as a player, special assistant, and broadcaster.
Last week, Wakefield’s health challenges came to light, leading to his untimely death. The news has saddened Red Sox fans and the baseball community as a whole.
Red Sox principal owner John Henry expressed his grief in a statement, saying, “Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball. He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit. He had a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox, and his loss is felt deeply by all of us.”
During his career, Wakefield won World Series titles with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007. He amassed an impressive record of 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts over his 19-year career with the Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. His 17 seasons with the Red Sox are the most in team history among pitchers.
Upon retiring in 2011, Wakefield joined NESN’s pregame and postgame coverage of Red Sox games. This season, he was added to the booth as a color commentator. Wakefield also served as the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation, showcasing his dedication to the community.
Red Sox chairman Tom Werner praised Wakefield’s character, stating, “It’s one thing to be an outstanding athlete; it’s another to be an extraordinary human being. Tim was both. He was a role model on and off the field, giving endlessly to the Red Sox Foundation and being a force for good for everyone he encountered. I felt fortunate to call him a close friend, and along with all of us in Red Sox Nation, I know the world was made better because he was in it.”
Wakefield holds multiple all-time records for the Red Sox, including 430 starts and 3,006 innings pitched. He ranks second only to Roger Clemens in career strikeouts with 2,046.
Clemens, a former teammate and friend, expressed his sorrow on Twitter, saying, “This is heartbreaking news. A great person, great teammate, and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing alongside him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal.”
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred also released a statement, honoring Wakefield’s legacy. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Tim Wakefield, one of the most unique pitchers of his generation and a key part of the most successful era in the history of the Boston Red Sox. Tim’s knuckleball allowed him to excel as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992. In 1995, he began a 17-year tenure in Boston, where he made a mark that will be remembered forever. Tim was more than just a versatile and reliable All-Star pitcher, a highly respected teammate, and a two-time World Series Champion. In 2010, Tim was named the Roberto Clemente Award winner for the dedicated work he and his family did serving the communities of New England. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to Tim’s family, his friends and teammates across the game, and Red Sox fans everywhere. We will continue to support our partners at Stand Up To Cancer in the memory of Tim and all those who are in the fight against this disease.”
The passing of Tim Wakefield is a loss for the Red Sox organization and the baseball community. His contributions on and off the field will be forever remembered, and his impact will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. Rest in peace, Tim Wakefield.