Tim Wakefield, beloved Red Sox pitcher and broadcaster, dies at 57
Tim Wakefield, the beloved pitcher-turned-broadcaster who helped the Red Sox end their 86-year championship drought and bring two World Series trophies to Boston, died Sunday, the team announced. He was only 57 years old.
He and his wife, Stacy, had both been battling different cancers, a fact made public without their consent by a former teammate just three days ago. He is survived by Stacy, son Trevor, and daughter Brianna.
One of baseball’s greatest and last true knuckleball pitchers, the man affectionately known as “Wake” spent the last 17 seasons of his 19-year MLB career with the Red Sox. He was a member of nine postseason teams, and won rings with the club in 2004 and 2007. At 42 years old, he became a first-time All-star in 2009, just two years before his final season. At the time of his retirement, he was the oldest active Major Leaguer.
Tim Wakefield will be remembered for many reasons.
His 186 wins are the second-most in franchise history (Roger Clemens and Cy Young are tied for first), as are his 2,046 strikeouts. He pitched more seasons and innings (3,006) and made more starts (430) than anyone who wore a Red Sox uniform, records unlikely to be broken; only Carl Yastrzemski, Dwight Evans, and Ted Williams played more years for the team.
As the man who gave up the walk-off home run to Aaron Boone in the 2003 ALCS, Wakefield endured the ultimate Red Sox heartbreak. The following October, he helped Boston get their revenge, and his heartbreak rewarded with the greatest triumph. Scheduled to start Game 4, he volunteered to eat innings in Game 3 to save the rest of the pitching staff from working what would become a 19-8 loss. After falling behind the Yankees three games to none, the Red Sox won the next four (with Wakefield making another heroic relief performance of three shutout innings in Game 5), becoming the first team in MLB history to complete such a comeback.
That comeback really began with Wakefield in Game 3, not Kevin Millar’s walk and Dave Roberts’ pinch-running stolen base in Game 4, their manager, Terry Francona always said. That Wakefield won’t be with his teammates when the Red Sox celebrate the 20th anniversary of that miraculous postseason next year is unbearably sad.
Following his retirement in February 2012, Wakefield joined NESN as one of their Red Sox studio analysts, a role he continued through this season. During and after his playing career, he was one of baseball’s most philanthropic figures; he was the Red Sox’s Roberto Clemente Award nominee eight times and won the prestigious accolade in 2010, an achievement he called the highest honor of his career. He was especially devoted to several children’s charities and causes, and served as the inaugural Jimmy Fund Red Sox co-captain. When the team ended their 86year drought in 2004, he brought the World Series trophy to patients at the Dana-farber Cancer Institute.
Above all, Tim Wakefield will be remembered for the person he was: a kind, generous, caring, hardworking, persevering man. It was evident when he played, when he was on the air, and when he was out in the world. It’s evident in his passing, and the tributes that are pouring in.
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry in a written 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.”
“It’s one thing to be an outstanding athlete; it’s another to be an extraordinary human being. Tim was both,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. “He was a role model on and off the field, giving endlessly to the Red Sox Foundation and being a force for good for everyone he encountered. I felt fortunate to call him a close friend and along with all of us in Red Sox Nation, I know the world was made better because he was in it.”
“I can’t describe what you mean to me and my family, my heart is broken right now because l will never be able to replace a brother and a friend like you,” David Ortiz wrote on Instagram. “Rest and peace my brother.”
The league’s account and several MLB teams sent condolences on X as well, including the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh Pirates, who drafted Wakefield and with whom he made his Major League debut on July 31, 1992.
“This is heartbreaking news,” Roger Clemens wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “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.”