The Boston Red Sox announced on Sunday (1 October 2023) that former MLB pitcher and two-time World Series champion Tim Wakefield had passed away. He was 57. Florida native Wakefield signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1988 after being selected as a third baseman.
Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield.
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.
Our deepest love and thoughts are with… pic.twitter.com/ah5kV2Yt8j
— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 1, 2023
Since he knew he couldn’t make it as a fielder, he started developing his knuckleball and switched positions in 1990. His first year in the majors was 1992, and he had a great year, but by 1995, the Pirates had already given up on him.
We are saddened by the loss of Tim Wakefield.
Tim began his Major League career with the Pirates and was a part of our baseball family for six years. He made his debut in 1992 and was a key addition to the pitching staff that helped propel the team to its third consecutive… pic.twitter.com/171nTWEyhC
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) October 1, 2023
However, his time as a free agent did not last forever. A few days later, Wakefield inked a deal with the Red Sox, where he became a fan favorite thanks to his dominant knuckleball and selfless service to the community. He was a member of the 2004 team that broke the Red Sox curse and the 2007 club that won the World Series.
He has made the most starts (430), innings pitched (3,006), appearances (590), and strikeouts (2,046) in Red Sox history. He has pitched the most innings (1,553) and made the most starts (216) at Fenway Park, making him the all-time leader at both positions.
After retiring in 2012, Wakefield became involved with the Red Sox organization again, this time as a broadcaster and special assistant, as well as the Red Sox Foundation, where he served as honorary chairman. To generate money for a charity that provides therapeutic preschool for children with special needs, he started holding an annual auction and celebrity golf tournament.
Throughout his career and beyond, he was a dedicated volunteer for the Jimmy Fund’s annual radio telethon. Besides his wife Stacy, Wakefield leaves behind their children Trevor and Brianna.
Treatment for Wakefield’s Mysterious Illness
Though the news of Wakefield’s death came as a shock, rumors had been circulating about his condition for days when former Red Sox pitcher and colleague of Wakefield’s from 2004 to 2007 Curt Schilling leaked the couple’s private medical information to the media.
Schilling revealed on his podcast that Wakefield had brain cancer and that Stacy, Wakefield’s wife, had pancreatic cancer; he then urged listeners to pray for the family. The Red Sox and a number of Wakefield’s former teammates were allegedly incensed that Schilling had leaked the news without their knowledge.
Curt Schilling said on his podcast the Wakefields are fighting cancer. Hard to imagine why he would do that, but he did. To say that people with the Sox and others around Tim and Stacy are furious is an understatement.
All the best to the Wakefields, who are very nice people. https://t.co/Zn2g6YGsGp
— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) September 28, 2023
The Red Sox issued a statement afterward requesting the public to leave the Wakefields alone.
“We are cognizant of the reports and concerns regarding Tim and Stacy Wakefield’s well-being. Unfortunately, this data has been leaked without their knowledge or consent.As they seek therapy and make strides against this sickness, they wish to keep their health a private affair. Tim and Stacy want everyone to know how much they value the love and support they’ve always received, but they want privacy at this time. The Red Sox have not revealed what killed Tim Wakefield. No word from Schilling as of yet.”
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