Tim Wakefield, who baffled MLB batters for years with one of the most confounding knuckleballs of all time, has passed away at the age of 57. He was a legendary and beloved figure in the Boston Red Sox organization for many years.
Tim Wakefield at a charity golf event | SCREENSHOT: MaxPreps/YouTube
Wakefield sadly lost a long battle with brain cancer. His illness was controversially revealed by former teammate Curt Schilling in September, although the family had not publicly commented on it at that time. Wakefield’s official date of passing is listed as Sunday, Oct. 1.
In a 19-year Major League career, Tim Wakefield was a two-time World Series Champion, a one-time All-Star, and a member of the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame.
During that span, the master of the knuckleball went 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA. He racked up 2156 strikeouts and 1205 walks and had six career shutouts with a career WHIP of 1.35. He spent his first two years in MLB with the Pittsburgh Pirates, before pitching the next 17 for Boston.
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In June 2012, Tim Wakefield joined NESN as a studio analyst for Red Sox coverage. He continued to serve as a studio analyst through the 2023 season.
The Red Sox issued a statement regarding the passing of Tim Wakefield:
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball… 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.”
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