BOSTON – Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield died on Sunday after a long battle with cancer. He was 57 years old.
Wakefield pitched for the Red Sox from 1995 to 2011. He was a two-time All-Star and won 183 games in his career. Wakefield was known for his knuckleball, which was one of the most difficult pitches to hit in baseball.
Wakefield was born in Melbourne, Australia, and played college baseball at Florida State University. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 1988 MLB draft. Wakefield made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 1992.
Wakefield was traded to the Red Sox in 1995. He quickly became a fan favorite in Boston thanks to his success on the field and his outgoing personality. Wakefield was a part of the Red Sox team that won the World Series in 2004.
Wakefield retired from baseball in 2012. He was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016.
Wakefield was a beloved figure in the Red Sox organization and in the city of Boston. He was a great pitcher and a great ambassador for the game of baseball.
Red Sox React to Wakefield’s Death
The Red Sox released a statement following Wakefield’s death:
“The Red Sox are deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Wakefield. Tim was a beloved member of the Red Sox family for 17 seasons, and he helped us win a World Series championship in 2004. He was a two-time All-Star and one of the most successful knuckleball pitchers in MLB history.
“Tim was a great teammate and a great friend. He was always willing to help his teammates and the Red Sox organization in any way he could. He was also a great role model for young players.
“We will miss Tim dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Wakefield’s Legacy
Wakefield was a unique pitcher. He was one of the few pitchers in MLB history to throw a knuckleball. Wakefield was also one of the most successful knuckleball pitchers in MLB history. He won 183 games in his career, which is the third-most wins by a knuckleball pitcher in MLB history.
Wakefield was also a great teammate. He was always willing to help his teammates and the Red Sox organization in any way he could. He was also a great role model for young players.
Wakefield will be remembered as a Red Sox legend. He was a great pitcher, a great teammate, and a great friend.