BOSTON — Beloved former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield has died at the age of 57, the team announced Sunday.
Knuckleballer spent 29 years as a player, special assistant and broadcaster in the organization.
of Wakefield Health challenges It came to light last week.
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit are as legendary as his knuckleball,” Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a statement. “He was a rare athlete who not only impressed us on the field, but crossed the record books and touched countless lives with his warmth and genuine spirit. He had a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire and connect others. The way he showed us the true definition of greatness is what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox. He brought out the best and his loss is deeply felt by all of us.”
Wakefield won World Series titles with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.
During his 19-year career with the Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates, Wakefield went 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts. His 17 seasons with the Red Sox are the most among pitchers in team history.
Following his retirement in 2011, Wakefield joined NESN’s pregame and postgame coverage of Red Sox games. This season, he was added to the booth as a color commentator.
Wakefield was the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
“It’s one thing to be a great athlete; it’s another thing to be an extraordinary human being. Tim was both,” Red Sox president Tom Werner said in a statement. “He was a role model on and off the field, giving endlessly to the Red Sox Foundation and being a force for good to all he met. I am fortunate to call him a close friend and join all of us in Red Sox Nation. I know the world was changed for the better by his presence.”
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