MEAWW.COM / NEWS / SPORTS

How did Tim Wakefield die? Baseball community mourns loss of former Boston Red Sox knuckleball pitcher who died at 57

Tim Wakefield who played 19 seasons in MLB has died at the age of 57

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Former Boston Red Sox knuckleball pitcher, Tim Wakefield, reportedly died at the age of 57.

The news came just days after his former teammate Curt Schilling revealed that Wakefield was battling brain cancer.

The news of his demise was announced by Red Sox on social media. "Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield," Sox wrote in X, formerly Twitter.

"Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father, and teammate, beloved broadcaster, and the ultimate community leader," the statement continued.

"He gave so much to the game and all of Red Sox Nation. Our deepest love and thoughts are with Stacy, Trevor, Brianna, and the Wakefield family," it concluded. 

In another updated, The BoSox account also shared that the team wore their jerseys in the dugout to pay homage to Wakefield

"Today the entire team wore their jerseys in the dugout, no sweatshirts or jackets, as a tribute to Wake and everything he represented as the ultimate Red Sox player," the team wrote.

What did Curt Schilling reveal about Tim Wakefield's cancer battle?

Last week, Schilling took to his podcast to reveal Wakefield was suffering from brain cancer and fighting for his life, an revelation that was allegedly away from public knowledge before Schilling's podcast. 

As per TMZ, the revelation seemingly happened against the wishes of the Wakefield family. "I don't even know if he wants it shared," Schilling noted during the podcast. 

However, Schilling explained that he was Christian by faith and decided to break the news as he believes in prayers and seeked the same from the baseball community.

"I've seen prayer work and so I'm going to talk about it," Schilling mentioned. He also shared that Wakefield was diagnosed with a "very serious, very aggressive form of brain cancer."

However, several people were left disappointed with Schilling's actions, including American baseball coach Jason Varitek's wife, Catherine, TMZ reported.

The Red Sox also condemned the World Series MVP-winning pitcher, saying, "Health is a deeply personal matter they intended to keep private as they navigate treatment and work to tackle this disease."

The team also mentioned that Wakefield's family had asked for "privacy at this time." Unfortunately, the 2x World Series champion passed away just three days later.

Baseball community shares heartfelt tributes to Tim Wakefield 

The baseball community took to social media to share heartfelt tributes to Wakefield after his death.

"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," the official account of MLB wrote in X.

"Tim embodied the finest qualities as a teammate, a competitor, and a caring man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wakefield family and all who knew and loved Tim," it added.

"Boston City Hall is lit in Red Sox colors tonight in honor of Tim Wakefield and all that he contributed to his team and our city," shared Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.

"I extend my sincere condolences to Tim’s family and all who share in mourning his loss," she added.

"The best knuckleball of all time RIP Tim Wakefield," said Baseball Quotes.

"R.I.P Tim Wakefield," one simply wrote. "It isn’t very often I have no words. Today I have none. Tears, yes. Sadness,yes. Tim Wakefield has passed away. Rest In Peace one of the best men I have known," added another.

"In total shock and disbelief over the loss of my good friend and hero Tim Wakefield. We all loved Wake. One of the nicest and kindest guys ever," one shared. 

"Tek said it best. Tim Wakefield exemplified what it means to play for the Boston Red Sox. He represented this organization flawlessly. There is no higher standard. It’s Wake," a fifth explained alongside a clip of Varitek remembering Wakefield.

One user shared, "On August 6, Tim Wakefield played in our family’s golf classic to raise funds for charity. He could not have been kinder to everyone he encountered. Shocking that 56 days later he is gone. Sending love and prayers to the Wakefield family."

Another added, "What a sad day. Tim Wakefield was the definition of great teammate and pro. He arrived on the Red Sox scene in ‘95, the season after baseball was cancelled. Closed games in ‘99. Won rings in 04 and 07. Gone way too soon and much too young at 57. I hate cancer!"

One said, "Tim Wakefield was a gentleman. He reinvented himself as a ballplayer more than once & became one of the players that broke the curse. He set an example for us all & I’m grateful that he and his family made MA their home. RIP Tim, we won’t see another like you for a long time."

"If we had more people like Tim Wakefield, the world would be a better place," added another. 

A brief look back at Tim Wakefield's life and career

Born on on August 2, 1966, in Melbourne, Florida, Wakefield is remembered as a legendary American baseball knuckleball pitcher.

He played 19 seasons in MLB, including two with the Pittsburgh Pirates at the beginning of his career and 17 with the Boston Red Sox.

Wakefield was associated with Red Sox from 1995 until his retirement in 2012 becoming the longest-serving player on the team. 

According to TMZ, he won 200 games and retired with a 4.41 ERA and struck out over 2,100 batters. Following his retirement, Wakefield became the oldest active player in the major leagues.

Wakefield was an All-Star in 2009 and won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2010. He also won in two World Series in 2004 and 2007, respectively.

The iconic knuckleball pitcher was also inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

On the personal front, Wakefield met his wife, Stacy Stover, in Massachusetts and tied the knot with her on November 9, 2002.

He was also a proud father to two children, Trevor and Brianna.