Written by Mark Gray
March 8, 2024 6:00 PM PST
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Tim Wakefield, a Boston Red Sox legend who helped the team win their first championship in 86 years in 2004, passed away on October 1, 2023 at the age of 57. Just five months later, his wife Stacey passed away at the age of 53 after battling pancreatic cancer. cancer. “Our hearts are broken,” the Wakefield family said in a statement on February 28, 2024.
Before Tim passed away, the Red Sox announced that the 200-win pitcher had been ill. Former teammate Curt Schilling revealed that the knuckleballer had a brain tumor without the consent of Tim or his family.
Tim was one of the only modern players to almost exclusively use the knuckleball, a ball game from a bygone era. While his accomplishments on the field are well-documented, he is also beloved for his work off the field, and in 2010 was honored with the Roberto Robertson Award for his contributions to sportsmanship and the community. Winner of the Clemente Award. (The Red Sox named Tim the No. 8 award, according to ESPN.) He frequently visits sick children at Boston-area hospitals and raises money for the Jimmy Fund, which works to fight childhood cancer. I did.
Following Tim's death, many former teammates (and even some famous fans) publicly mourned him on social media.
Read on to see what they have to say…
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“I loved Tim Wakefield's promise to start. If his knuckleball danced, batters looked stupid, and if he didn't, Wakefield was human like the rest of us.'' The feeling that he was going to look like, “What a gift, what a gift he gave us.'' The Red Sox. What a joy it was for him to get his 200th win. What a relief that he got his well-deserved WS ring. I was lucky enough to pass by him several times over the years. And unlike his knuckleball, you always knew how you were going to get a kind and big-hearted guy.Rest In Peace” —Seth Meyers
More: Stars lost too soon
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“Wake embodies what this uniform is about. It's not just the name on the back, it's the name on the front. He represents what it means to be a Red Sox, what it means to be a professional.” —Jason Varitek, via NESN
More: Stars lost in 2023
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“Curt Schilling @gehrig38 continues to do racist, illegal, immoral, and extremely inappropriate things. This time he disrespects former Red Sox teammate Tim Wakefield. So maybe you've found Donald Trump's 2024 running mate?” —Billy Baldwin
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“Rest in Peace, Tim Wakefield. I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for the Red Sox. Forever a legend!!!” —Bill Barr
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“I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Tim Wakefield. We played golf together and played in various pro-ams together. He was a very sweet friend, a wonderful husband, and a wonderful father. We all loved Timmy and will miss him.'' See you in heaven, buddy. ” —Larry the Cable Guy
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“Words cannot express what you mean to me and my family. My heart is breaking right now because I will never be able to replace a brother and friend like you… My brother. , may you rest in peace.” —David Ortiz
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“I have no words. I was with you a week ago and was so looking forward to being here.” —Pedro Martinez
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“He was a great teammate and just a great friend.” —Kevin Youkilis
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“Broken Heart” – Johnny Damon
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“We lost a brother, a teammate, a family member. This man was one of the best teammates I've ever had. This is no BS. This man will always be there for us. He was responsible. He was the Boston Red that the Sox should be.No player I've ever played with wore a jersey with more pride than Tim Wakefield.'' —Red Sox manager Alex Cora, via NESN
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“It's like being kicked in the stomach.'' – Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona
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“We are in complete shock and disbelief at the loss of our best friend and hero, Tim Wakefield. We all loved Wakefield. The sweetest, kindest man ever. ” —Doug Flutie
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“We are so sorry for your loss, and Boston’s loss.” —Alyssa Milano
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“You couldn't ask for a better guy than TIM” – Shane Victorino
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“Tim Wakefield's kindness and fortitude were as legendary as his knuckleball.” — Red Sox owner John Henry
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“Wake was an amazing guy! I still can't believe it! We're the same age and can really put things into perspective.” —David Justice
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“Oh, my heart goes out to their families. My thoughts go out to the entire Red Sox organization as well as the baseball world where Tim was so loved. It's obviously a sad day.” —Yankees manager aaron boone
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“Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are to hear this tragic news. Tim was a great teammate, competitor and friend, and most importantly, a great human being. You will be greatly missed by your friends. To the Wakefield family, I am so sorry for your loss.” we love you and are here for you.Rest In Peace” —David Wells
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“It really broke my heart.” –Roger Clemons
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“He was just the ultimate team player. He pitched with the knuckleball for years, starting and replaying. He was overlooked so many times because he was such a knuckleballer. He also off the field. He was very philanthropic.” —David Cohn
