One of the greatest knuckleball pitchers in MLB history is no longer with us.
Tim Wakefield, the longtime Red Sox pitcher, died on Sunday after a battle with brain cancer, the team announced.
He was 57 years old.
Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 1, 2023
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
"Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball," Red Sox 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."
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Wakefield spent 19 years in the majors, spending two seasons with the Pirates before he was released and signed by Boston, where he would spend the next 17 seasons. He retired from baseball after the 2011 season at age 45.
Known for his patented knuckleball, Wakefield was a two-time World Series champion with the Red Sox. He was a member of the Boston team that won the World Series in 2004, breaking the 84-year World Series drought, and helped the team to another title in 2007.
The Florida native made 463 starts and 627 appearances in his MLB career, compiling a record of 200-180 with a career ERA of 4.41 and 22 saves. He was named to an All-Star once in his career, earning the recognition in 2009. Wakefield was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016.
He was also known for his charitable work off the diamond, as he was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award eight times during his career, finally earning the honor in 2010. After his retirement, Wakefield spent time with NESN, working on the pregame and postgame shows for the Red Sox.
The MLB and baseball world reacted to the news of Wakefield's death:
MLB reacts to death of Tim Wakefield
Former players, opposing teams, media members and teammates of Wakefield took to social media to pay tribute to the former MLB pitcher.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Wakefield, 19-year Major Leaguer, two-time World Series champion, 2009 AL All-Star, and the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner.
— MLB (@MLB) October 1, 2023
Tim embodied the finest qualities as a teammate, a competitor, and a caring man.
Our thoughts and… pic.twitter.com/cU7vcCcalr
"He was a great teammate and just a great friend."
— NESN (@NESN) October 1, 2023
Kevin Youkilis on Tim Wakefield, who passed away this morning at the age of 57. pic.twitter.com/8YPg3cOfgm
Tim Wakefield was a gentleman. He reinvented himself as a ballplayer more than once & became one of the players that broke the curse. He set an example for us all & I’m grateful that he and his family made MA their home. RIP Tim, we won’t see another like you for a long time. 🙏
— Charlie Baker (@CharlieBakerMA) October 1, 2023
Every complimentary word you’ve heard about Tim Wakefield, take that and multiply it by a million. It’s all true. Genuinely one of the kindest, most selfless, caring and giving people I’ve ever met. I’m heartbroken. All the love and condolences to his family. Rest in power, 49. pic.twitter.com/XPzZDk7QJT
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) October 1, 2023
RIP to Tim Wakefield. Prayers for his family and friends. 🙏🏻
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) October 1, 2023
He was champion on and off the field, that gave everything to this organization and the community.
Seeing the support that came out for him the last few days tells you everything you need to know. F**k cancer forever. pic.twitter.com/CBsFrrlp8g
This is how Tim Wakefield’s teammates felt about him.
— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) October 1, 2023
Just heartbreaking.
pic.twitter.com/0TvleyV0Va
The best knuckleball of all time
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) October 1, 2023
RIP Tim Wakefield pic.twitter.com/j5ZGWKdO1N
Tim Wakefield’s knuckleball was a thing of beauty pic.twitter.com/uel6TKjta3
— Baseball Quotes (@BaseballQuotes1) October 1, 2023
What a gut punch to hear about the death of Tim Wakefield. He was a true gentleman. That is the first thing I think of when I think of him. He was a selfless teammate. He worked tirelessly in the community. And only Roger Clemens and Cy Young won more games for the Red Sox. So…
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) October 1, 2023
Growing up, me and my friends always tried to replicate Tim Wakefield’s knuckleball. It was a fascinating pitch and he was a fascinating player.
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) October 1, 2023
More than that though, he was a great person. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Tim Wakefield. pic.twitter.com/hgZ2mJvmo3
RIP Tim Wakefield, what a beautiful soul.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 1, 2023
I hope non-Bostonians can appreciate how strong the bond was that *that* city with *that* team’s title drought felt so much for Tim Wakefield after ‘03. Doesn’t happen. Whole thing was special pic.twitter.com/XJhjHJmV2N
— DJ Bean (@DJ_Bean) October 1, 2023
Tim Wakefield
— Michael Sullivan (@_MikeSullivan) October 1, 2023
2x World Series Champion
1x All-Star
200 Wins
3,226.1 Innings Pitched
2,156 Strikeouts
19 seasons
An absolute legend of the game#ThankYouWake pic.twitter.com/69WA5HZlny
Rest in peace, Tim Wakefield 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tpObb0GeSR
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) October 1, 2023
Devastated to hear about the passing of Tim Wakefield, who was among the most selfless and giving players and people I've encountered. Condolences to his family and friends, and the many, many people upon whom he had an incredible impact.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) October 1, 2023
We join the baseball community in mourning the loss of Tim Wakefield.
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) October 1, 2023
Our thoughts are with Tim’s family, friends, and the entire Red Sox organization. https://t.co/URqUIk9tnR
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield. Our condolences go out to the Wakefield family and Red Sox organization during this difficult time. https://t.co/xIUNPULtak
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 1, 2023
I've worked with Wake for the past 12 years, and had the honor of covering him for 17 seasons before that. I've never met anyone who loved the Red Sox more, or who better understood how to use the power of sports to help those in need. Absolutely gutted by his loss.
— Tom Caron (blue checkmark redacted) (@TomCaron) October 1, 2023
We are saddened by the loss of Tim Wakefield.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) October 1, 2023
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
Tim Wakefield was someone I grew up watching as a Sox fan. Then we became co-workers and friends. When I ran the Boston Marathon in April for Dana Farber, Tim donated $1,000. The largest donation I received.
— Adam Pellerin (@adampellerin) October 1, 2023
Just one of countless examples of his kindness. I’m going to miss him❤️ pic.twitter.com/k4qAGf0ZsK
