Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, beloved for his work on and off the field, had died just days after it was revealed he had been recently diagnosed with brain cancer, according to a statement from the team.The Red Sox said Wakefield, known for his knuckleball, died Sunday morning. He was the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation and spent 29 years in the organization as a player, special assistant and broadcaster. He was 57 years old.”Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield,” the Red Sox wrote on social media. “Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father, and teammate, beloved broadcaster, and the ultimate community leader. He gave so much to the game and all of Red Sox Nation.””Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a statement. “He not only captivated us on the field but 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 a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and his loss is felt deeply by all of us.”A moment of silence was held in honor of Wakefield before the Red Sox’s season finale against the Orioles in Baltimore.”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,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.”Tim Wakefield was selfless in his dedication to the adults and children being treated for cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He was our inaugural Jimmy Fund Red Sox co-captain and always went the extra mile,” reads a statement from Melany N. Duval, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund. “He often visited our adult and pediatric floors, met our teen patients during their annual spring training trip, and was dedicated to helping us raise funds for cancer research and care. He will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family, his fans, and the Red Sox organization.”SportsCenter 5 learned Thursday that Wakefield sought treatment at a Boston hospital within the last couple of weeks after not feeling well. Doctors discovered brain cancer and performed surgery within days.Wakefield has been also caring for his wife, Stacy, who is has a different form of cancer.”Our deepest love and thoughts are with Stacy, Trevor, Brianna, and the Wakefield family,” the Red Sox said in their statement.Wakefield’s diagnosis was revealed Wednesday night on former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling’s podcast. The Red Sox released a statement Thursday reacting to the release of information about Wakefield’s condition.“We are aware of the statements and inquiries about the health of Tim and Stacy Wakefield. Unfortunately, this information has been shared publicly without their permission. Their health is a deeply personal matter they intended to keep private as they navigate treatment and work to tackle this disease. Tim and Stacy are appreciative of the support and love that has always been extended to them and respectfully ask for privacy at this time,” the Sox said in a statement.Wakefield was a member of two World Series-winning teams (2004, 2007) and named an All-Star in 2009. In 2010, he won the Roberto Clemente Award, which he received for the dedicated work he and his family did serving the communities of New England.”I can’t describe what you mean to me and my family,” David Ortiz, Wakefield’s teammate for nine seasons, wrote on Instagram. “My heart is broken right now because I will never be able to replace a brother and a friend like you. Rest in peace my brother.””My heart is broken and I have no words. RIP Wake,” Mike Lowell, the 2007 World Series MVP, wrote on social media. “You were one of the good ones and a great teammate. Red Sox Nation will forever be grateful. Thank you for your friendship.””Well, this is heartbreaking news,” Roger Clemens, a teammate of Wakefield’s for two seasons, wrote on social media. “A great person, great teammate and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing alongside of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal.””He was a great competitor when he took that mound. He was just a great teammate and just a great friend,” Kevin Youkilis, Wakefield’s teammate for eight seasons, said during Sunday’s broadcast of the Red Sox’s season finale against the Baltimore Orioles. “Just glad that I had the opportunity over the years to be alongside him. Just an amazing husband, father and a community leader. He really enjoyed people. He really enjoyed being around people, and today, we lost one of the good ones.”Wakefield was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016. He ranks third in franchise history with 186 wins. He became the oldest player to ever appear in a game for Boston when he made the final start of his career in 2011 at the age of 45 years and 54 days.He played the first two major league seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and finished his 19-year MLB career with 200 wins.Video below: Wakefield meets woman who also mastered ‘knuckleball’
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, beloved for his work on and off the field, had died just days after it was revealed he had been recently diagnosed with brain cancer, according to a statement from the team.
The Red Sox said Wakefield, known for his knuckleball, died Sunday morning. He was the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation and spent 29 years in the organization as a player, special assistant and broadcaster. He was 57 years old.
“Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield,” the Red Sox wrote on social media. “Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father, and teammate, beloved broadcaster, and the ultimate community leader. He gave so much to the game and all of Red Sox Nation.”
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a statement. “He not only captivated us on the field but 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 a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and his loss is felt deeply by all of us.”
A moment of silence was held in honor of Wakefield before the Red Sox’s season finale against the Orioles in Baltimore.
“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,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“Tim Wakefield was selfless in his dedication to the adults and children being treated for cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He was our inaugural Jimmy Fund Red Sox co-captain and always went the extra mile,” reads a statement from Melany N. Duval, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund. “He often visited our adult and pediatric floors, met our teen patients during their annual spring training trip, and was dedicated to helping us raise funds for cancer research and care. He will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family, his fans, and the Red Sox organization.”
SportsCenter 5 learned Thursday that Wakefield sought treatment at a Boston hospital within the last couple of weeks after not feeling well. Doctors discovered brain cancer and performed surgery within days.
Wakefield has been also caring for his wife, Stacy, who is has a different form of cancer.
“Our deepest love and thoughts are with Stacy, Trevor, Brianna, and the Wakefield family,” the Red Sox said in their statement.
Wakefield’s diagnosis was revealed Wednesday night on former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling’s podcast.
The Red Sox released a statement Thursday reacting to the release of information about Wakefield’s condition.
“We are aware of the statements and inquiries about the health of Tim and Stacy Wakefield. Unfortunately, this information has been shared publicly without their permission. Their health is a deeply personal matter they intended to keep private as they navigate treatment and work to tackle this disease. Tim and Stacy are appreciative of the support and love that has always been extended to them and respectfully ask for privacy at this time,” the Sox said in a statement.
Wakefield was a member of two World Series-winning teams (2004, 2007) and named an All-Star in 2009. In 2010, he won the Roberto Clemente Award, which he received for the dedicated work he and his family did serving the communities of New England.
“I can’t describe what you mean to me and my family,” David Ortiz, Wakefield’s teammate for nine seasons, wrote on Instagram. “My heart is broken right now because I will never be able to replace a brother and a friend like you. Rest in peace my brother.”
“My heart is broken and I have no words. RIP Wake,” Mike Lowell, the 2007 World Series MVP, wrote on social media. “You were one of the good ones and a great teammate. Red Sox Nation will forever be grateful. Thank you for your friendship.”
“Well, this is heartbreaking news,” Roger Clemens, a teammate of Wakefield’s for two seasons, wrote on social media. “A great person, great teammate and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing alongside of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal.”
“He was a great competitor when he took that mound. He was just a great teammate and just a great friend,” Kevin Youkilis, Wakefield’s teammate for eight seasons, said during Sunday’s broadcast of the Red Sox’s season finale against the Baltimore Orioles. “Just glad that I had the opportunity over the years to be alongside him. Just an amazing husband, father and a community leader. He really enjoyed people. He really enjoyed being around people, and today, we lost one of the good ones.”
Wakefield was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016. He ranks third in franchise history with 186 wins. He became the oldest player to ever appear in a game for Boston when he made the final start of his career in 2011 at the age of 45 years and 54 days.
He played the first two major league seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and finished his 19-year MLB career with 200 wins.
Video below: Wakefield meets woman who also mastered ‘knuckleball’
