The Red Sox and baseball world received sad news on Sunday with the death of pitcher Tim Wakefield. Wakefield's dire condition with brain cancer became public last week against the wishes of his family. He was 57 years old.
The knuckleballer played 17 seasons with the Red Sox after beginning his career with the Pirates. He compiled a 186–168 record with a 4.43 ERA during his Boston career and is currently ranked second in franchise history in games pitched (590) and strikeouts (2,046), and first in innings thrown (3,006). In 2010, he won the Roberto Clemente Award for community service.
Wakefield was part of two World Series championship teams (in 2004 and 2007) with the Red Sox, making him even more beloved among fans.
Boston announced Wakefield's passing with a social media post on Sunday afternoon.
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
Many fans, media, and teammates paid tribute to Wakefield on social media upon learning of his death.
"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
I am sadder than sad. Tim Wakefield has died due to a brain tumor at age. 57. He was real. He was CLASS. This is truly horrible news.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) October 1, 2023
R.I.P. Tim Wakefield, who started more games and threw more innings than any Red Sox pitcher ever, and made the city of Boston proud. His knuckleball was a thing of beauty. My heart goes out to his loved ones, including his wife Stacy, who is waging her own battle with cancer.
— Jeff Sneider (@TheInSneider) October 1, 2023
This Mike Timlin-Tim Wakefield video from the 2007 World Series resonates even more now. Seemed like the absolute best teammate you could have. pic.twitter.com/4A3hx6nEIi
— Mike Cole (@MikeColeNESN) 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
Well…this is heartbreaking news. A great person, great teammate, and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing along side of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal. 😞 https://t.co/d4hGBksIFc
— Roger Clemens (@rogerclemens) October 1, 2023
"That's a legacy I don't think people will forget for a very long time." @PeteAbe on remembering Tim Wakefield for the man he was on and off the field. pic.twitter.com/0lF6Vg5ZPi
— NESN (@NESN) October 1, 2023
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
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
