Tim Wakefield, a beloved figure in Boston Red Sox history and a two-time World Series champion, has passed away at the age of 57 following a battle with brain cancer, as announced by the team on Sunday.
Wakefield began his baseball journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates before becoming a vital part of the Red Sox roster in 1995, where he enjoyed a remarkable 17-year career. His contributions were instrumental in securing World Series victories for Boston in 2004 and 2007.
In their statement, the Red Sox expressed their understanding of the public interest in Tim and Stacy Wakefield's health but emphasized the family's desire to keep the matter private as they navigate treatment and confront this challenging disease.
Originally drafted as a first baseman, Wakefield made a remarkable transition to a pitcher, mastering the knuckleball in the minor leagues. He would go on to achieve an impressive milestone of 200 major league wins, with 186 of those wins earned in a Red Sox uniform, a feat surpassed in franchise history only by Cy Young and Roger Clemens. Tim Wakefield's legacy in Boston and the world of baseball will be remembered with great fondness.
