Legendary Red Sox icon Tim Wakefield has sadly passed away at 57. The late professional baseball pitcher who mastered the knuckleball was taught how to pitch as a young boy by his father in the backyard of their home in Melbourne, Florida.
Initially drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as their first baseman and setting record-breaking home runs in college, Tim became a formidable pitcher. Over the course of his incredible professional baseball career, Tim won 200 major league games, 186 of which he won while playing for the Boston Red Sox.
Tim Wakefield at the Boston Red Sox spring training practice facility in Ft. Myers, Florida on February 28, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Tim quickly became a fan favorite among the public when he played a significant role in helping his team win its first World Series championship in 86 years. The team’s winning drought since 1918 ended in 2004 once Tim scored nine outs in extra innings, after which the Red Sox garnered redemption from their 3-0 series deficit and beat the St. Louis Cardinals.
The late and treasured knuckleballer’s career has seen numerous achievements and successes. Thus, after news of his death made its rounds around the major baseball league industry, Tim’s team, friends, many fellow professional players, teammates, and the league organization (MLB) itself extended their deepest condolences.
Those who had the pleasure of knowing and working with Tim dedicated heartfelt tributes to the late star as well. A post shared by the Red Sox stated:
“Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield. Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father, and teammate… He gave so much to the game and all of Red Sox nation…”
A media news outlet reported that Tim was diagnosed with brain cancer. Though his team had announced that he had an illness before his death, they did not disclose any details or elaborate on the matter further.
Before the late baseball star, who was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame after he retired in 2011, died, one of his former teammates and previous All-Star, Curt Schilling, outed Tim’s diagnosis. He did so against the Wakefield family’s wishes.
Curt exposed Tim’s health condition in a podcast interview. While speaking on the late star’s health status, He divulged:
“I don’t even know if he wants it shared…I’ve seen prayer work and so I’m going to talk about it…a very serious, very aggressive form of brain cancer.”
Tim, Trevor, Stacy, and Brianna Wakefield at Tim’s field dedication by Franciscan Hospital in Brighton, Massachusetts | Source: Getty Images
In addition to sharing details concerning Tim’s health, Curt also exposed Tim’s wife, Stacy Wakefield, and her diagnosis. He disclosed the fact that Stacy is battling pancreatic cancer.
Naturally, upon hearing about their personal business being publicized without their permission, Tim, his wife, and other people who heard the exposition were less than pleased with Curt’s actions. As a result of the podcast interview, Tim and Stacy released a statement through the Red Sox, which announced:
“…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.”
Tim passed away mere days after their statement requesting privacy was released. Following his passing, his daughter, Brianna Wakefield, paid tribute to her dad on her Instagram Story.
In addition to his beloved wife, Stacy, Tim is survived by his two children, Brianna and son, Trevor. Many continue to extend their condolences to the bereaved Wakefield family.
