Boston Red Sox baseball legend Tim Wakefield has died at the age of 57 after a brief battle with brain cancer.
It was only on Thursday that it was announced that the two-time World Series champion had been diagnosed with the disease, and his former teammate Curt Schilling was heavily criticized for sharing the news.
Wakefield’s death was confirmed by the Red Sox on Sunday afternoon in a statement that said, “We are heartbroken by 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 to the entire Red Sox Nation.
“Our deepest love and thoughts go out to Stacy, Trevor, Brianna and the Wakefield family.”
In his podcast on Thursday, Schilling said: “This is not a message that Tim would want to share with anyone, and I don’t even know if he would want it shared.” Recently, Tim was diagnosed with a very severe, very aggressive form of Diagnosed with brain cancer.”
Schilling also told his listeners that Wakefield’s wife, Stacy, was battling pancreatic cancer. The couple has two teenage children and lives in Florida.
Wakefield, 57, is a celebrated member of the 2004 Red Sox that came back from a 3-0 deficit against the rival New York Yankees to win the American League Championship Series en route to the team’s first World Series title since 1918 .
The knuckleballer played a key role in the postseason by volunteering to pitch in relief during a resounding loss to the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS, saving the other pitchers’ arms for the historic comeback.
Following news of his death on Sunday, tributes to the 2009 All-Star immediately poured in, with one Red Sox fan writing, “I’m broken.”
Another remarked: “Every word of praise you’ve heard about Tim Wakefield, multiply it by a million.” It’s all true. Truly one of the kindest, most selfless, caring and generous people I have ever met. I have lovesickness. All love and condolences go out to his family. Rest in power, 49.’
Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield has died after a brief battle with brain cancer
Wakefield, flanked by his wife Stacy, wipes a tear from his eye at Fenway Park in 2012