One of the saddest stories out of the baseball world is the recent passing of former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield.
The knuckleball legend’s tragic passing was announced this past Sunday.
Friend and former teammate Curt Schilling had revealed that the 57-year-old had been battling brain cancer.
Red Sox manager and ex-teammate Alex Cora said of Wakefield: “We lost a brother, a teammate, a family member. One of the best teammates I ever had … Of all the guys I played with, nobody wore his jersey with more pride than Tim Wakefield.”
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
In a heart-wrenching statement, Red Sox icon Pedro Martinez expressed his grief over Wakefield’s passing…
“I don’t have words, we were together a week ago, and I was so looking forward to being here for you on the stretch,” Martinez tearfully conveyed, speaking to Hector Gomez. “I will miss you my teammate… my heart hurts. Carolina and I will always be here for your family.”
I don’t have words, we were together a week ago, and I was so looking forward to being here for you on this stretch 😭😭😭😭😭😭
I will miss you my teammate…my heart hurts. Carolina and I will always be here for your family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/AAda8pzRB4
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) October 2, 2023
Martinez’s poignant words underscored the deep bond between the two pitchers who played pivotal roles in ending the Boston Red Sox’s 86-year World Series drought in 2004.
Martinez, known for his blazing fastballs and dominant pitching, formed the dynamic duo with Wakefield, whose mastery of the knuckleball made him one of the greatest practitioners of the pitch in baseball history.
Their on-field synergy and camaraderie became a symbol of the Red Sox’s identity and resilience.
Martinez and Wakefield shared the spotlight in Boston from 1998 to 2004, creating unforgettable moments for Red Sox Nation.
In 2005, Martinez left the team to join the New York Mets, but his connection with Wakefield remained strong.
Alan Embree.
Keith Foulke.
Pedro Martinez.
Kevin Millar.
David Ortiz.
Jason Varitek.
Tim Wakefield.
14 years later, players from the 2004 championship team throw out the first pitch for Game 2 of the World Series tonight.
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) October 25, 2018
Wakefield’s journey in baseball was remarkable. He began his Major League career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992 and 1993 before becoming a fixture in the Red Sox rotation from 1995 to 2011.
His standout year came in 1995, when he boasted a stellar 2.95 ERA and finished third in the Cy Young Award voting.
The passing of Wakefield has drawn condolences and heartfelt tributes from his former Red Sox teammates and the entire baseball community as a hole.
Legendary pitcher Roger Clemens also chimed in on Wakefield’s untimely passing…
“Well…this is heartbreaking news. A great person, great teammate, and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing along side of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal.”
Well…this is heartbreaking news. A great person, great teammate, and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing along side of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal. 😞 https://t.co/d4hGBksIFc
— Roger Clemens (@rogerclemens) October 1, 2023
“You’ll never meet anyone who has a bad word to say about him,” is an overused statement … But with Wakefield, it certainly seems to be true.
R.I.P.