Sports fans across the nation are mourning the death of sports legend Tim Wakefield, an exemplary knuckleball pitcher who was instrumental in two World Series championship runs for the Boston Red Sox. After battling brain cancer, the beloved athlete passed away on Sunday, October 1 at 57-years-old.
Last week, former teammate Curt Schilling revealed on his podcast that Wakefield had been battling brain cancer without consent from him. This set off a whirlwind of reactions within the world of baseball and beyond.
The Red Sox later confirmed that Wakefield had indeed been dealing with an illness but declined to elaborate due to his request for privacy.
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
John Henry, owner of the Red Sox shared this moving statement in light of Wakefield’s passing: “Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball. He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit.”
His impact went far beyond what could be measured by statistics alone – something which can be seen by all those who spoke out in tribute to him following news of his death.
Originally drafted by Pittsburgh Pirates as a college first baseman where he set home run records at Florida Tech, Wakefield eventually became successful major league pitcher after mastering one particular style -the knuckleball pitch- over time.
His impressive record includes 200 career victories; 186 under Boston Red Sox alone which puts him second only behind Cy Young and Roger Clemons in terms of franchise history.
Wakefield may have become widely beloved for more than just these impressive stats however, it was also due to his role in one of baseball’s greatest rivalries between Boston and New York Yankees during early 2000s.
He came into play during Game 7 2003 ALCS when Aaron Boone knocked a walkoff home run first pitch ending Boston’s season sending Yankees onto World Series -extending Fall Classic drought since 1918-.
Fast forward one year later when Red Sox were again close to being eliminated in ALCS by New York; it was then when Wakefield stepped up once more tallying nine outs thus setting up David Ortiz win game 5 during 14th inning followed by comeback from 3-0 deficit leading ultimately victory against St Louis Cardinals winning their first title 86 years.
