Tim Wakefield’s former teammates took a moment to remember the beloved former knuckleballer, who died Sunday morning.
He was 57.
Wakefield battled brain cancer, though the diagnosis was revealed to the public without his permission by former Red Sox teammate Curt Schilling.
“My heart is broken and I have no words,” Mike Lowell, who played five seasons on the Red Sox with Wakefield, posted on X (formerly Twitter). “RIP Wake. You were one of the good ones and a great teammate. Red Sox Nation will forever be grateful. Thank you for your friendship.”
Roger Clemens, who was teammates with Wakefield for five seasons on the Red Sox before opposing him as an American League East rival with the Blue Jays and Yankees, shared a similar sentiment.
“Well…this is heartbreaking news,” Clemens posted on X. “A great person, great teammate, and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing along side [sic] of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal.”
Kevin Youkilis, who played eight seasons with Wakefield in Boston, is currently NESN’s lead color analyst for Red Sox games and paid tribute to Wakefield’s on Sunday’s broadcast.
“He was a great competitor, when he took that mound” an emotional Youkilis said as his voice wavered. “He was just a great teammate and just a great friend. I had the luxury to play with him on the field, [be with him] in the booth, just glad I had the opportunity over the years to be alongside him.
“Just an amazing husband, a father, and a community leader. He really enjoyed people. He really enjoyed being around people. And today we lost one of the good ones.”
NESN’s Adam Pellerin, who worked with Wakefield at the network, tributed Wakefield’s generosity.
“Tim Wakefield was someone I grew up watching as a Sox fan,” Pellerin posted on X. “Then we became co-workers and friends. When I ran the Boston Marathon in April for Dana Farber, Tim donated $1,000. The largest donation I received. Just one of countless examples of his kindness. I’m going to miss him.”
The Red Sox also posted a tribute to Wakefield.
“Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield,” the team posted on X. “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 Stacy, Trevor, Brianna, and the Wakefield family.
One of the best knuckleballers ever, Wakefield won two World Series with the Red Sox — in 2004 and 2007 — and his 17 seasons with the team are the most in club history by a pitcher.
“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,” MLB posted on 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.”
Some other tributes for Wakefield:
He played the first two years of his career with the Pirates, who cut him before he subsequently signed with the Red Sox and spent the rest of his career with the franchise.
