Tim Wakefield, a former Boston Red Sox pitcher and two-time World Series champion, passes away at 57 years old.
Longtime Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 57, as announced by the team in a press release.
No specific cause of death was provided, but the team had previously acknowledged that the former pitcher was battling an undisclosed “disease” and had requested privacy for the Wakefield family.
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The Red Sox offered their heartfelt condolences, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Wakefield. Tim personified genuine goodness; he was a dedicated husband, father, and teammate, a cherished broadcaster, and an exemplary community leader. He made immense contributions to the game and endeared himself to all of Red Sox Nation.”
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Baseball legend and Hall of Famer David Ortiz shared a poignant moment on Instagram, posting a photo of himself embracing Wakefield and expressing, “Words can’t capture the significance you held for me and my family. My heart aches because I know I can never fill the void left by losing a brother and a friend like you.”
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Longtime Boston sportswriter Bob Ryan also expressed his condolences, saying, “He was real. He was CLASS. This is truly horrible news.”
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Wakefield initially started his baseball career as a first baseman but transitioned to pitching, specializing in the knuckleball, which is rarely thrown in the majors. He went on to become a right-handed starting pitcher known for his knuckleball and achieved the milestone of 200 career wins.
During his career, Wakefield played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and then spent 17 years with the Boston Red Sox. He won two World Series championships with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007, the latter following a historic rally in the American League Championship Series.
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Wakefield was honored with the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing his “extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field.” In 1995, he finished third in Cy Young Award voting and was named American League Comeback Player of the Year by the Sporting News.
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His tenure with the Red Sox included several records, such as 186 victories, 3,006 innings pitched, and 430 starts.
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After retiring from his 19-year playing career, Wakefield remained actively involved with the Red Sox organization for a total of 29 years, serving as a player, special assistant, and broadcaster. He also served as the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
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Red Sox owner John Henry honored Wakefield, stating, “Tim’s remarkable kindness and unyielding spirit were as renowned as his knuckleball. He not only captured our hearts on the field but was a rare athlete whose impact transcended mere statistics, touching the lives of countless individuals with his warmth and authentic character.”
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MLB commissioner Rob Manfred praised Wakefield as “one of the most unique pitchers of his generation” and expressed condolences on behalf of major league officials.
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The Pittsburgh Pirates also offered their condolences, describing Wakefield as “a great man who will be dearly missed.”
