The Boston Red Sox announced that Tim Wakefield, a former pitcher for the team and a core member of two World Series championship teams, has died at the age of 57. Three days prior to his death, it was revealed that he had brain cancer. "Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield," the team wrote on its X (formerly Twitter) account.
Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield.
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.
Our deepest love and thoughts are with… pic.twitter.com/ah5kV2Yt8j
— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 1, 2023
Wakefield spent at least 29 years with the team and was honorary president of the Red Sox Foundation. "Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father, teammate, beloved broadcaster, and the ultimate community leader. He gave so much to the game," the team said on the social network.
The American was a two-time World Series champion (2004, 2007) and a 2009 All-Star with Boston. Additionally, he was named American League Comeback Player of the Year in 1995, his first of 17 seasons with the Red Sox.
The owner of the Red Sox mourned Wakefield's death and highlighted the baseball player's career 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.
We look back on the life and legacy of Tim Wakefield ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jwGNvlgnCv
— NESN (@NESN) October 1, 2023
"It was amazing to see what Tim Wakefield achieved"
Winner of 200 games in the Major Leagues, Wakefield achieved 186 of those victories for Boston, putting him only behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens, who had 192 victories for the Red Sox, according to the official website of Major League Baseball ( MLB ).
"Inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016, it was stunning to see all Wakefield accomplished given where he was at in his career when he was signed by the team," MLB outlined.
In 2009, the player became an All-Star for the first time when he was selected to the team by then-Rays coach Joe Maddon.
