Barry Chin/The Boston Globe/Getty Images
Featured in 2010, Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield was on the World Series-winning teams in 2004 and 2007.
CNN –
Longtime Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield died Sunday morning at age 57, the team announced in a news release.
No cause of death was given, but the team issued a statement a statement Earlier this week, he admitted that the former pitcher was suffering from an “illness” and requested privacy for the Wakefield family.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Tim Wakefield,” the Red Sox said Posted on X on Sunday. “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.”
Red Sox legend and Baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz posted a photo on Instagram of himself hugging Wakefield and wrote: “I can’t describe what you mean to me and my family, my heart is broken right now because I “I’ll never make it.” Replace a brother and a friend like you.”
“He was real. He was GREAT. This is truly terrible news,” said longtime Boston sportswriter Bob Ryan wrote on X.
Wakefield was drafted out of college as a first baseman, but when his career stalled, he turned to a rarely thrown pitch to reach the majors. He became a right-handed starter who gained fame as one of the few great players with a knuckleball, and he won 200 games in his career.
Wakefield played two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates before beginning a 17-year stint with the Red Sox. He won two World Series championships with the Red Sox, including victory in 2004 after a historic run in the American League Championship Series and the subsequent MLB title in 2007.
He received the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award for “exceptional character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions on and off the field.”
In 1995, Wakefield finished third in Cy Young Award voting and was named the American League Comeback Player of the Year by the Sporting News.
His 186 career Red Sox wins are just six behind team record holders Young and Roger Clemens. Wakefield’s 3,006 innings and 430 starts are club records.
In announcing his retirement in February 2012, Wakefield said that all he ever wanted to do was help the Red Sox become champions.
“There have been a lot of ups and downs along the way, but one thing is for sure: every time I stepped on that field, I gave it everything I had. I always just wanted to win. And the bigger goal was to win a World Series for this great city,” he said. “After 86 years, we were finally able to do this (in 2004) and the biggest thrill for me was sharing it with all the players before us, but more importantly, sharing it with generations of Red Sox fans.”
Yoon S. Byun/The Boston Globe/Getty Images
Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield waves to the crowd after his 200th (and final) career win in September 2011.
After his 19-year career, Wakefield remained associated with the Red Sox organization, spending a total of 29 years with the club as a player, special assistant and broadcaster. Wakefield also served as honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” said Red Sox owner John Henry. “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.” He had a remarkable ability to lift others up , inspiring and connecting with them in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox, and his loss is deeply felt by all of us.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred called Wakefield a “respected teammate” and “one of the most unique pitchers of his generation.” His knuckleball was thrown with the tips of his index and middle fingers planted firmly on the leather covering and he pushed the ball out of his hands with his thumb and ring finger. This prevented the ball from spinning and made its path to the batsman unpredictable and often confusing.
Manfred expressed his condolences to his family, former teammates and friends on behalf of Major League officials.
“We will continue to support our partners at Stand Up To Cancer in memory of Tim and everyone involved in the fight against this disease,” Manfred said in a statement.
The Pirates said of Wakefield: “He was a great man who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”
Wakefield’s health condition was not made public until Curt Schilling, a former Red Sox teammate, shared it on his podcast. Schilling was immediately and widely criticized for this, and the Red Sox released a statement clarifying that the information was “shared…without…” [the Wakefield family’s] Permission.”
Wakefield is survived by his wife Stacy and their children Trevor and Brianna.