Tim Wakefield passed away peacefully at age 57 after battling brain cancer for an extended period. Wakefield became one of the greatest pitchers ever for Boston Red Sox during his legendary tenure and for his humanitarian works. His impact on baseball will last forever.
The Red Sox officially announced Wakefield’s passing through a press release, paying tribute to both his baseball stats and his charitable work. Curt Schilling announced Wakefield’s death on a podcast in the previous week. His illness had prompted an outpouring from fans and players. The Red Sox confirmed Wakefield’s request for privacy, while respecting his illness status.
Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner expressed his condolences and noted that “Tim was an outstanding athlete as well as an extraordinary human being. His presence made this world a better place.”
Wakefield’s death has prompted deep condolences to be expressed by the entire baseball community. This includes baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and Players Association President Tony Clark as well as Massachusetts Governor Maura Shealey, NCAA president Charlie Baker, and many teams and players from around the league. Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby paid his respects to Wakefield by incorporating his trademark knuckleball during a match against Texas Rangers.
Red Sox fans on social media showed their respect for Wakefield by sharing an emotional video tribute posted by Boston manager Alex Cora. In the video, former Red Sox catchers Jason Varitek and Jason Cora struggled to hold back tears as they spoke to reporters. All players wore their jerseys with no jackets or overshirts to show respect for Wakefield and his fallen teammate during Boston’s final season game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Cora expressed her sorrow at Wakefield’s death, stating that his family and team mates were equally affected by the loss. Tim Wakefield was the only player I ever played with who wore his jersey with pride.
Wakefield’s baseball career was as impressive as his trademark pitch, the knuckleball. Wakefield was drafted as a first-baseman by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He transitioned to pitching after he mastered this obscure pitch in minor leagues. This unconventional pitch helped Wakefield win 200 Major League Games (186 of which were in a Boston Red Sox uniform! This is a feat that has only been matched by Cy Young and Roger Clemens in Red Sox’s history.
Wakefield’s achievements on the field were recognized, as was his sportsmanship and involvement in his community. In 2010, Wakefield received the Roberto Clemente Award and was nominated to represent the Red Sox in this award ceremony seven times. Wakefield also served as Jimmy Fund Captain, raising money and helping children with cancer. He was also honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
Wakefield’s contributions to the Red Sox and Yankees rivalry in the early 2000s cemented his place as a baseball legend. Wakefield was in the spotlight after he entered Game 7 of ALCS, allowing New York Yankees to comeback. Wakefield then famously allowed Aaron Boone’s walk-off, ending Boston’s season and further lengthening its championship drought.
Wakefield showed his selflessness again when he gave up his starting position in Game 3 of ALCS to pitch relief and save the bullpen for the next games in the Series. This was a crucial move as the Red Sox recovered from a three-game deficit to win four straight games and capture their first World Series Championship in 86 years.
“I cannot express what you meant to my family and me… Rest in peace my brother.”
Terry Francona expressed what many people feel when they hear about Wakefield’s passing: “It feels like someone kicked my stomach”. Aaron Boone, the Yankees’ manager, also expressed his condolences and spoke of Wakefield’s influence in baseball.
Wakefield was 45 when he received his one and only All-Star selection, making him the second-oldest person to do so behind Satchel Paige. He also became the oldest baseball player to reach 200 career victories before retiring later that month.
Tim Wakefield has left an unforgettably strong legacy of sportsmanship and selflessness. The knuckleball is also a testament to his character. His memory will continue to live on in baseball fans’ hearts, as well as those touched by the charitable work he did.
