Tim Wakefield Obituary: With his unconventional knuckleball, Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield helped end the team’s 86-year “curse of the Bambino” by winning the World Series in 2004. In this post, we reflect on Tim Wakefield’s athletic accomplishments and the legacy he leaves behind.
Tim Wakefield Obituary
Tim Wakefield, the famous pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, died on October 1, 2023 at the age of 57, and baseball has lost a significant figure. Wakefield’s unconventional knuckleball was crucial to the Red Sox breaking the 86-year “curse of the Bambino” in the World Series.
On August 2, 1966, in Melbourne, Florida, Timothy Stephen Wakefield was born into the universe. After making his major league debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992, he became a ubiquitous name with the Boston Red Sox.
Like many in Red Sox Nation, Big Papi is grieving after learning about the death of his longtime teammate Tim Wakefield. ???? https://t.co/snaDFADsI2 pic.twitter.com/sYMC2TlI3G
— WCVB-TV Boston (@WCVB) October 1, 2023
Wakefield confounded both batters and catchers with his unique approach and mastery of the knuckleball, a notoriously unpredictable projectile. Wakefield mastered the knuckleball despite its reputation for being difficult to master. His knuckleball was hurled with such dexterity that it confused batters and resulted in a high number of strikeouts.
Sue Lyon Obituary: Exploring Her Life Beyond Fame
Tim Wakefield’s Legacy
Wakefield’s knuckleball helped make him a Red Sox legend, but he did not begin his career as a pitcher. His talent earned him MVP honors and home run records as a first baseman for the Florida Tech Panthers during his collegiate career. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, he had some difficulty as a position player in the minors.
Wakefield became a full-time pitcher in 1990 after deciding to experiment with the knuckleball, a peculiar and rarely hurled type of pitch. Wakefield made his major league debut with the Pirates, but he labored and was demoted. After being acquired by the Boston Red Sox, he developed into one of the team’s most reliable starters.
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
As a member of the 2004 Red Sox team that ended the franchise’s 86-year championship hiatus and the so-called “curse of the Bambino” brought on by the team’s decision to trade Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, he secured a place in baseball legend for himself and the franchise.
Even in his forties, Wakefield continued to pitch. In that season, he won his 200th game, placing him in third place among Boston pitchers all-time, behind only Cy Young and Roger Clemens. He started more games at Fenway Park than any other pitcher, won a game at the age of 42, and was the second-oldest All-Star in history. In 2011, at the age of 44, he established a distinction as the oldest participant in Red Sox history.
With eight nominations for the Roberto Clemente Award, Wakefield’s charitable activity off the field was recognized. He collaborated with numerous institutions, including the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, New England’s Pitching in for Kids, the Space Coast Early Intervention Center, and the Touch ‘Em All Foundation of Garth Brooks.
