Current:Home > NewsTim Wakefield, longtime Boston Red Sox knuckleball pitcher, dies at 57-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Tim Wakefield, longtime Boston Red Sox knuckleball pitcher, dies at 57
View Date:2024-12-23 22:26:13
Tim Wakefield, a longtime knuckleball pitcher and two-time World Series champion, died Sunday at the age of 57 from brain cancer, the Boston Red Sox announced.
"Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield," the Red Sox said on social media. "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."
A 19-year MLB veteran, Wakefield started his career in 1992 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but is known for his time in Boston, where he spent the last 17 years of his career. The knuckleballer was a mainstay on the Red Sox pitching staff, going from starter to reliever throughout his tenure in Boston. He was part of the 2004 and 2007 World Series-winning teams, and made the All-Star Game in 2009. He also was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award in 2010.
Wakefield retired in 2012 and finished his career with 200 wins, 180 losses and 22 saves. He finished with a career ERA of 4.41, and his 186 wins in Boston ranks third in franchise history behind Roger Clemens and Cy Young.
"Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball," Red Sox principal 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."
FOLLOW THE MONEY: MLB player salaries and payrolls for every major league team
After retiring, Wakefield became an announcer for the Red Sox, while remaining active in Boston charities, and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Red Sox recently announced Wakefield was undergoing treatment for an unspecified disease after his illness was outed without his consent by ex-teammate Curt Schilling.
Wakefield is survived by his wife, Stacy, and their children, Trevor and Brianna.
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Voyager 2 is the only craft to visit Uranus. Its findings may have misled us for 40 years.
- $45 million misconduct settlement for man paralyzed in police van largest in nation's history, lawyers say
- Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Baby Boy's Name Revealed
- How monoclonal antibodies lost the fight with new COVID variants
- Why Amanda Seyfried Traded Living in Hollywood for Life on a Farm in Upstate New York
- Selling Sunset's Maya Vander Welcomes Baby Following Miscarriage and Stillbirth
- Jennifer Lopez Reveals How Her Latest Role Helped Her Become a Better Mom
- Protesters Call for a Halt to Three Massachusetts Pipeline Projects
- Roster limits in college small sports put athletes on chopping block while coaches look for answers
- Hurricane Lane Brings Hawaii a Warning About Future Storm Risk
Ranking
- South Carolina lab recaptures 5 more escaped monkeys but 13 are still loose
- Surge in outbreaks tests China's easing of zero-COVID policy
- Earn big bucks? Here's how much you might save by moving to Miami.
- Houston is under a boil water notice after the power went out at a purification plant
- Halle Berry Rocks Sheer Dress She Wore to 2002 Oscars 22 Years Later
- Mama June Shannon Reveals She Spent $1 Million on Drugs Amid Addiction
- Why Bling Empire's Kelly Mi Li Didn't Leave Home for a Month After Giving Birth
- Vanderpump Rules Reunion Trailer Sees Ariana Madix & Cast Obliterate Tom Sandoval & Raquel Leviss
Recommendation
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Good Try (Freestyle)
-
Trump’s Science Adviser Pick: Extreme Weather Expert With Climate Credentials
-
Today’s Climate: September 2, 2010
-
Mindy Kaling’s Swimwear Collection Is Equally Chic and Comfortable
-
John Robinson, former USC Trojans and Los Angeles Rams coach, dies at 89
-
Heat Wave Safety: 130 Groups Call for Protections for Farm, Construction Workers
-
This $28 Jumpsuit Has 3,300+ 5-Star Amazon Reviews and It’s Available in Sizes Ranging From Small to 4X
-
Meet Tiffany Chen: Everything We Know About Robert De Niro's Girlfriend