Shortly before first pitch on the final day of the regular season, the Boston Red Sox announced Tim Wakefield passed away at the age of 57 after a battle with brain cancer.
The knuckleballer enjoyed a 19-year MLB career that included two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and 17 in Boston. Wakefield spent 29 years with the Red Sox organization as a player, broadcaster and special assistant.
A plethora of Wakefield’s former teammates and colleagues paid tribute to him on Sunday, as well as several other players who grew up watching him.
The group included Gavin Lux, who offered his condolences on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Didn’t know Tim, but man I loved growing up watching him throw knuckleballs. Rest in peace ❤️ https://t.co/uRidiza8DC
— Gavin Lux (@TheRealGavinLux) October 1, 2023
Lux had a similarly touching message for former Los Angeles Dodgers special assistant to the general manager Pat Corrales, who passed away in August.
Wakefield went 200-180 with 22 saves, a 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts in 627 career games (463 starts). He was the American League Comeback Player of the Year in 1995, an All-Star in 2009 and two-time World Series champion with the Red Sox (2004, 2007).
In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Wakefield regularly contributed to charitable organizations and was honored with the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award.
Red Sox statement on Tim Wakefield
All Red Sox players and coaches wore their full uniforms without any sweatshirt or jacket in the dugout on Sunday to pay their respect to Wakefield.
“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.”
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