Tim Wakefield, a legendary pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, has passed away at the age of 57 due to brain cancer. Wakefield, known for his knuckleball pitch, is the third winningest pitcher in Red Sox history. His death was announced by the Red Sox organization on Sunday.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his condolences, describing Wakefield as one of the most unique pitchers of his generation. Wakefield’s knuckleball allowed him to excel as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992. He then went on to spend 17 years with the Red Sox, making a lasting impact on the team.
Wakefield was not only a remarkable athlete but also a dedicated humanitarian. In 2010, he was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award for his community service and philanthropy work in New England. Wakefield’s kindness and spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball, according to Red Sox principal owner John Henry.
The news of Wakefield’s battle with brain cancer became public just three days before his passing. He recently underwent surgery to fight the aggressive form of cancer. Despite his health challenges, Wakefield continued to inspire others and stayed active in his community.
Wakefield leaves behind his wife Stacy, son Trevor, and daughter Brianna. He won a total of 200 games in his Major League career, with 186 of those victories coming while playing for the Red Sox. He is ranked behind only Cy Young and Roger Clemens, both with 192 wins for the Red Sox.
Wakefield was not only known for his skills on the field but also for his selflessness as a teammate and his dedication to charitable causes. He was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016, and his impact on the team will not be forgotten.
The Red Sox organization, as well as the baseball community as a whole, is devastated by the loss of Wakefield. He will be remembered for his extraordinary personality, his exceptional pitching skills, and his genuine spirit. Wakefield’s legacy extends beyond the record books, as he touched countless lives both on and off the field.
As the news spread, many people paid tribute to Wakefield and expressed their admiration for him. Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who had faced Wakefield as a player, described him as a well-respected and well-liked figure in the baseball fraternity. Wakefield’s resilience and sportsmanship earned him the respect and love of fans and fellow players alike.
Throughout his career, Wakefield leveraged his unique knuckleball pitch to become a successful and memorable player. He received tutelage from legendary knuckleballers such as Charlie Hough and the Niekro brothers. The knuckleball saved Wakefield’s career and allowed him to leave a lasting impact on the sport.
Wakefield’s contributions to the community were just as significant as his achievements on the field. He was heavily involved with the cancer-fighting Jimmy Fund during his playing career and continued his philanthropy work in retirement as the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
Wakefield’s dedication to community service earned him multiple nominations for the Roberto Clemente Award, which he ultimately won in 2010. He embodied the values of the award through his character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions to baseball.
The loss of Tim Wakefield is deeply felt by the Red Sox organization, his friends and teammates, and fans everywhere. He was not only a great player but also a remarkable human being. Wakefield’s impact and legacy will continue to inspire and uplift others, and his presence will be sorely missed.