Tim Wakefield, who utilised his darting knuckleball to become the Red Sox’s third-winningest pitcher, died on Sunday at the age of 57 from brain cancer, the Red Sox confirmed.
“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,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement. “In 1992, Tim’s knuckleball enabled him to excel as a rookie with the Pittsburgh Pirates.” In 1995, he started a 17-year stay in Boston, where he left an indelible imprint. Tim was a versatile and dependable All-Star pitcher, a well-liked teammate, and a two-time World Series champion. Tim was selected the Roberto Clemente Award recipient in 2010 for his dedication to assisting the people of New England.
“On behalf of Major League Baseball, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Tim’s family, his friends and teammates throughout the game, and Red Sox fans everywhere.” We will continue to assist our Stand Up To Cancer partners in honour of Tim and all others fighting this cancer.”
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” Red Sox owner John Henry remarked. “He captivated us not only on the pitch, but he 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 an extraordinary capacity to elevate, inspire, and connect with people in ways that demonstrated the genuine meaning of greatness. He exemplified the best of what it meant to be a Boston Red Sox fan, and his loss is felt profoundly by all of us.”
Wakefield’s battle with brain cancer was made public only three days before his death.
Wakefield had surgery a few weeks ago to combat the severe kind of cancer he was fighting.
“It’s one thing to be a great athlete; it’s quite another to be a great human being.” “Tim was both,” Red Sox chairman Tom Werner remarked. “On and off the pitch, he was a role model, giving endlessly to the Red Sox Foundation and being a force for good for everyone he met.” I felt lucky to call him a personal friend, and I believe the world is a better place because he was in it, as do all of us in Red Sox Nation.”
Wakefield is survived by his wife Stacy, son Trevor, and daughter Brianna. He was a key player of two World Series victory teams in Boston.
Wakefield won 200 games in the Major Leagues, 186 of them for Boston, behind only Cy Young and Roger Clemens, who both had 192 wins with the Red Sox.
Wakefield was recognised as a selfless teammate and consummate professional, and he was a committed community member both during his playing career and after retiring from baseball in the spring of 2012.
“It’s a rare occurrence for a two-time World Series Champion’s extraordinary personality to shine even brighter than their illustrious career,” Red Sox president and CEO Sam Kennedy remarked. “Tim was undeniably a great pitcher, but what truly distinguished him was the ease with which he connected with people.” He was a fantastic pitcher, a fantastic broadcaster, and someone who embodied every humanitarian trait in the dictionary. I shall miss my buddy more than anything else, and I can only hope to live as honestly and honourably as he did.”
Wakefield was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016, and it was incredible to see what he achieved considering where he was in his career when he was signed by the organisation.
The right-handed pitcher, who appeared in the Pirates’ National League Championship Series against the Braves in 1992, was released by the Pirates on April 20, 1995. He may have been picked up by any club.
Six days later, the Red Sox, headed by general manager Dan Duquette, signed him. Wakefield began his time with the Red Sox with one of the most spectacular runs in franchise history, after recovering his rhythm in the Minor Leagues for a few months.
Wakefield finished 14-1 with a 1.65 ERA in his first 17 starts with the Red Sox, who won the American League East. He proved he was a different breed straight away, tossing seven fantastic innings in his debut for the franchise in Anaheim and then returning three days later for 7 1/3 scoreless innings against Oakland.
Wakefield pitched in the Major Leagues for 19 seasons, 17 of which he spent with the Red Sox.
Wakefield was named to the All-Star squad for the first time in 2009 by then-Rays manager Joe Maddon.
Wakefield was a part of nine playoff teams with the Red Sox, including the 2004 and 2007 World Series champions.
While the historic comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the 2004 AL Championship Series against the Yankees will be remembered for Dave Roberts’ steal in Game 4 and David Ortiz’s nonstop heroics, manager Terry Francona has always stated that the comeback began with a selfless act by Wakefield.
Wakefield bravely put on his spikes and gave up his planned Game 4 start to protect the remainder of the bullpen when the Red Sox were behind 19-8 in Game 3.
Two days later, Wakefield came out of the bullpen for a high-leverage scenario and blanked the Yankees for the last three frames of a 14-inning classic, sending the series back to New York with a gripping 5-4 triumph.
During the celebration of Boston’s rout in Game 7, Wakefield was told by several teammates to return to the Yankee Stadium mound and simply soak it all in. Wakefield had given up a walk-off homer to Aaron Boone in Game 7 of the ALCS a year before, sending the Yankees to the World Series.
“Tim was a great player in his day and a guy that’s really well-respected, well-liked, and loved around the baseball world and our baseball fraternity,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone remarked a few days ago, when Wakefield’s illness was revealed.
Wakefield received a standing ovation at the annual Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America dinner in January, his first public appearance after Boone’s homer.
When Wakefield was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016, he commented, “It’s a huge honour.” I’m beyond ecstatic about it.”
Wakefield developed a knuckleball after beginning his professional career as a light-hitting first baseman in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor system.
Wakefield’s career was salvaged by the pitch.
Wakefield exploited the peculiar pitch to a legendary career under the instruction of some of the finest knuckleballers in history, including Charlie Hough and the Niekro twins (Phil and Joe).
Aside from his on-field exploits, Wakefield was a pillar of strength in the community, both during and after his playing career.
Wakefield is the Red Sox player who has contributed the most to the Jimmy Fund, which fights cancer. In his latter years, he served as honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
Wakefield was nominated eight times by the Red Sox for the coveted Roberto Clemente Award, which he received in 2010. This award is awarded each year to the MLB player who best exemplifies baseball in terms of exceptional character, community participation, charity, and good achievements both on and off the field.
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