Tim Wakefield, the resilient knuckleball specialist of the Red Sox pitching rotation, has passed away at the age of 57. Wakefield, known for his bounce-back spirit, famously rebounded after giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees during the 2003 playoffs, contributing significantly to Boston’s curse-breaking World Series victory the following year.
The Red Sox officially announced his passing in a statement on Sunday. Wakefield had been battling brain cancer, a condition that was revealed by former teammate Curt Schilling in a podcast last week, without Wakefield’s prior consent. The Red Sox had acknowledged an illness at the time but had not provided further details, respecting Wakefield’s desire for privacy.
“Tim’s generosity and unwavering attitude were legendary, just like his knuckleball,” according to Red Sox owner John Henry. “He was the uncommon athlete whose impact went beyond the record books to the numerous lives he touched with his warmth and sincere nature. He not only fascinated us on the field. He had a tremendous capacity for uplifting, invoking, and relating to others in a way that demonstrated the actual meaning of greatness. We are all devastated by his passing since he personified everything great about being a Boston Red Sox fan.”
Wakefield was selected in the first round of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ draft as a first baseman who broke records for home runs in college. After gaining proficiency with the knuckleball in the lower leagues, Wakefield switched to pitching. He went on to win 200 major league games, including 186 with the Red Sox, and did so by relying on the antiquated pitch that had mostly fallen out of favor. He ranks third in Red Sox history behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens in wins.
However, Wakefield’s involvement in the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry in the early 2000s made him a fan favorite whose influence extended well beyond his statistics.
In the ALCS against the Yankees the following October, with Boston’s season once more in jeopardy, Wakefield recorded nine outs in Game 5’s extra innings, setting up David Ortiz to secure the victory in the 14th. To win their first championship in 86 years, the Red Sox went on to finish off their comeback from a 3-0 series deficit by sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series.
“He was a great competitor when he took that mound,” former teammate Kevin Youkilis remarked on the Red Sox’s game broadcast on Sunday. “He was a fantastic teammate and a wonderful friend.” I had the pleasure of playing with him on the field and in the booth, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him over the years.”
In 2007, the Red Sox – and Wakefield – won it all once more.
In 2012, Wakefield announced his retirement at a news conference. “There were some years there where I didn’t know if I was going to come back or not,” he stated. But I’m very appreciative that I’ve been able to wear this uniform for so long and help this wonderful city win two World Series.
When Wakefield was selected to his inaugural Midsummer Classic in 2009, he had a record of 11-3 and was the second-oldest player ever (Satchel Paige was the oldest). When Wakefield recorded his 200th victory in September 2011, he was the oldest player in baseball at 45 and retired the final six batters he faced.
Wakefield was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award, given to a baseball player for outstanding sportsmanship and commitment in the community, eight times before winning it in 2010. He continued to be involved in the Red Sox charity after retirement and worked as an analyst for Red Sox broadcasts.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement in which he expressed his sympathies to Tim’s family, his friends and teammates throughout the league, as well as Red Sox supporters worldwide. “In Tim’s honor and in the name of everyone involved in the fight against this disease, we will continue to support our friends at Stand Up To Cancer.”
Wakefield leaves behind Trevor and Brianna, as well as his wife Stacy, who is coping with cancer.
