Where is Tim Wakefield? Wade Boggs apologizes for post about former Red Sox player's brain cancer amid backlash
TAMPA, FLORIDA: Wade Boggs, a former Boston Red Sox star and a Baseball Hall of Famer, has apologized for tweeting about the brain cancer diagnosis of another former Red Sox star, Tim Wakefield, who is a two-time World Series champion. Wakefield is presently undergoing treatment and his family has asked for privacy.
His family stated that the information, which was first revealed by Curt Schilling on his podcast, was shared without their permission.
Curt Schilling revealed Tim Wakefield’s brain cancer diagnosis without his consent
Boggs was unaware that the news of Wakefield’s condition was first shared by another former Red Sox pitcher, Curt Schilling, on his podcast 'The Curt Schilling Baseball Show' on Tuesday.
He was also unaware that Wakefield and his wife Stacy, who is also battling pancreatic cancer, wanted to keep their health issues private.
Boggs, who played with Wakefield from 1995 to 1999, tweeted on Thursday, “Wow just another punch in the gut. @TimWakefield49 diagnosed with brain cancer you can beat it Brother keep up the fight.”
Wow just another punch in the gut. @TimWakefield49 diagnosed with brain cancer you can beat it Brother keep up the fight 🙏🙏
— Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010) September 28, 2023
Schilling admitted he didn’t know if Wakefield wanted the news shared and said he wanted to reach out to the baseball community and ask for prayers and support for the Wakefields.
“Tim Wakefield is sick. … Recently, Tim was diagnosed with a very serious, very aggressive form of brain cancer. … The situation in Tim’s case is incredibly serious and he went in and had surgery,” Schilling said on his podcast as per New York Post.
Schilling’s disclosure sparked backlash from some of Wakefield’s friends and former teammates, who accused him of violating their privacy.
The wife of former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek tweeted: “F**k you Curt Schilling, that wasn’t your place!”
Fuck you Curt Schilling, that wasn’t your place!
— Catherine Varitek (@CatherinVaritek) September 28, 2023
Information was shared publically without Wakefield and his family's permission
The Red Sox also issued a statement on behalf of the Wakefields, saying, “We are aware of the statements and inquiries about the health of Tim and Stacy Wakefield Unfortunately, this information has been shared publicly without their permission.”
“Their health is a deeply personal matter they intended to keep private as they navigate treatment and work to tackle this disease. Tim and Stacy are appreciative of the support and love that has always been extended to them and respectfully ask for privacy at this time,” the short statement added.
The #RedSox today issued the following statement with permission from Tim and Stacy Wakefield: pic.twitter.com/iQqkhxRSyt
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 28, 2023
Wade Boggs apologizes to Tim Wakefield and his family
After learning of the Wakefields’ wishes, Boggs posted an apology. “At the time I posted my tweet I was unaware that Tim’s condition was not supposed to be public my apologies to Tim and his family,” Boggs wrote.
At the time I posted my tweet I was unaware that Tim’s condition was not supposed to be public my apologies to Tim and his family 🙏
— Wade Boggs (@ChickenMan3010) September 28, 2023
Boggs, 65, won a World Series title with the Yankees in 1996 and reached 3,000 career hits in 1999.
Wakefield, 57, is a knuckleball pitcher who joined the Red Sox in 1995 and won two World Series titles in 2004 and 2007.
He retired in 2012 after reaching 200 career wins the previous year. Schilling, 56, was Wakefield’s teammate from 2004 to 2007 and is a six-time All-Star and a three-time World Series champion.
On the other hand, Wakefield joined the Red Sox in 1995 whereas Boggs left the team in 1995. Therefore, the two never played for the team together.