Tim Wakefield's death prompts outpouring of tributes to Red Sox great
Tim Wakefield's death prompts outpouring of tributes to Red Sox great originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Red Sox Nation lost a beloved member of its family on Sunday.
Longtime Boston Red Sox pitcher and broadcaster Tim Wakefield passed away at the age of 57, the team announced. The two-time World Series champion spent 29 total years on the field and in the booth for Boston and was the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
Wakefield's death comes less than a week after ex-teammate Curt Schilling revealed -- without permission -- on a podcast that Wakefield had brain cancer. The Red Sox later confirmed an illness but did not elaborate, saying Wakefield had requested privacy.
The news of Wakefield's passing prompted countless tributes from his fans, former teammates and colleagues, and others across social media. We gathered some of the most notable tributes to the great knuckleballer below:
The Red Sox released their official statement on Wakefield's death.
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
The Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and New England Revolution showed their support with statements of their own.
We join the Boston sports community in mourning the loss of Tim Wakefield and send our deepest sympathies to Tim’s loved ones and the entire Red Sox and NESN family. https://t.co/obFeb9K3GF
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 1, 2023
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield. Our condolences go out to the Wakefield family and Red Sox organization during this difficult time. https://t.co/xIUNPULtak
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 1, 2023
Such heartbreaking news.
Sincerest sympathies to the Wakefield family and all who mourn his loss. https://t.co/kAsPRLlQqe— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 1, 2023
Heartbroken. Our condolences to the Wakefield family and all those who mourn his loss💔 https://t.co/1GeSMVtmzz
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) October 1, 2023
Major League Baseball's statement recounted Wakefield's many accolades over the course of his 19-year career.
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.
Tim embodied the finest qualities as a teammate, a competitor, and a caring man.
Our thoughts and… pic.twitter.com/cU7vcCcalr— MLB (@MLB) October 1, 2023
Wakefield began his MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who paid tribute with a heartfelt post of their own.
We are saddened by the loss of Tim Wakefield.
Tim began his Major League career with the Pirates and was a part of our baseball family for six years. He made his debut in 1992 and was a key addition to the pitching staff that helped propel the team to its third consecutive… pic.twitter.com/171nTWEyhC— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) October 1, 2023
Former Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis delivered an emotional statement on his former teammate during Sunday's NESN broadcast:
"He was a great competitor when he took that mound; he was a great teammate and a great friend," Youkilis said. "I had the luxury to play with him on the field, in the booth, and just glad I had the opportunity over the years to be alongside him.
"Just an amazing husband, father and community leader. He really enjoyed people, he really enjoyed being around people, and today we lost one of the good ones."
"He was a great teammate and just a great friend."
Kevin Youkilis on Tim Wakefield, who passed away this morning at the age of 57. pic.twitter.com/8YPg3cOfgm— NESN (@NESN) October 1, 2023
Red Sox radio voice Lou Merloni, another ex-teammate of Wakefield's, shared a statement of his own during the WEEI broadcast:
"It's surprising, shocking. He was doing well after surgery, and to get that news today was hard. He was obviously a friend, teammate, the ultimate teammate. ...
"He was (an unselfish player). Whether it was a starting role, a closing role, whatever it may be. Whatever role you needed him on. You mentioned the things he did off the field when his career was over. The Jimmy Fund, it was constant throughout his playing days and after his playing days, the Red Sox Foundation.
"He was just a good human being. I've run into so many people who have told me stories behind the scenes that he had done for them, for their families that nobody knows about. It's not in the papers. He would do anything for you."
Lou Merloni reacts to the passing of former teammate Tim Wakefield.@LouMerloni pic.twitter.com/3g5eoisZp8
— WEEI Red Sox Network (@SoxBooth) October 1, 2023
Wakefield's longtime teammate and former catcher, Red Sox game planning coordinator Jason Varitek, teared up when asked about Wakefield after the game:
"Wake exemplifies what this uniform is. It's not just the name on the back, it's the name on the front,' Varitek said. "It's what he's done in the community, the way he's represented it, the way he's respected the game ... He exemplifies what it means to be a Red Sox."
"Wake exemplifies what this uniform is."
Jason Varitek on who Tim Wakefield was as a teammate and a person. pic.twitter.com/vE47H1vPk5— NESN (@NESN) October 1, 2023
Red Sox legend David Ortiz shared his tribute to Wakefield in a heartfelt Instagram post:
"I can’t describe what you mean to me and my family, my heart is broken right now because l will never be able to replace a brother and a friend like you…. Rest and peace my brother."
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx3dJ_1v0ux
Fellow 2004 World Series champions Johnny Damon and Kevin Millar shared photos and videos of themselves with Wakefield.
🕊️💔 pic.twitter.com/JDyiSMDMkp
— Johnny Damon (@JohnnyDamon) October 1, 2023
Red Sox Nation will miss you brother🇺🇸❤️ pic.twitter.com/HlYP5TX9RW
— Kevin Millar (@KMillar15) October 2, 2023
Mike Lowell and Jonathan Papelbon, who were World Series champions alongside Wakefield in 2007, shared their
reactions to the saddening news. Former Red Sox outfielder Fred Lynn and pitcher Roger Clemens also reacted with thoughtful messages on X.
My heart is broken and I have no words. 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.
— Mike Lowell (@mikelowell25) October 1, 2023
Wake was an amazing friend, and teammate! An absolute legend that embodied what it means to be an @RedSox player on the field and in the Boston community. I am grateful and blessed to have had you in my life. Since my days as a young kid in the big leagues to retirement and now… pic.twitter.com/ydZOwPOgRw
— Jonathan Papelbon (@TheRealJPap58) October 1, 2023
Devastating news about Tim Wakefield. I only knew him off the field, but he was a very good guy. Class act. Gentleman. Our thoughts go out to his family and all those who knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/z0e1uZWJWq
— Fred Lynn (@19fredlynn) October 1, 2023
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
A number of media figures who covered Wakefield during his career took to social media with tributes.
Tim Wakefield was someone I grew up watching as a Sox fan. 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❤️ pic.twitter.com/k4qAGf0ZsK— Adam Pellerin (@adampellerin) October 1, 2023
Tim Wakefield gave so much to Boston and the Jimmy Fund. No one walked the walk like he did when it came to charity. Just a crushing loss for the city. Rest in peace.
— John Tomase (@jtomase) October 1, 2023
Devastated to hear about the passing of Tim Wakefield, who was among the most selfless and giving players and people I've encountered. Condolences to his family and friends, and the many, many people upon whom he had an incredible impact.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) October 1, 2023
I am sadder than sad. Tim Wakefield has died due to a brain tumor at age. 57. He was real. He was CLASS. This is truly horrible news.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) October 1, 2023
Every complimentary word you’ve heard about Tim Wakefield, take that and multiply it by a million. It’s all true. Genuinely one of the kindest, most selfless, caring and giving people I’ve ever met. I’m heartbroken. All the love and condolences to his family. Rest in power, 49. pic.twitter.com/XPzZDk7QJT
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) October 1, 2023
I've worked with Wake for the past 12 years, and had the honor of covering him for 17 seasons before that. I've never met anyone who loved the Red Sox more, or who better understood how to use the power of sports to help those in need. Absolutely gutted by his loss.
— Tom Caron (blue checkmark redacted) (@TomCaron) October 1, 2023
Boston was so lucky to have him. 💔 pic.twitter.com/spiiBvjZke
— Chad Finn (@GlobeChadFinn) October 1, 2023
Don Orsillo, the Red Sox' play-by-play broadcaster for much of Wakefield's career, wrote he is "completely crushed" by the news of Wakefield's death.
I am completely crushed, my friend of 23 years and 1st player to take me under his wing my 1st season is gone. It was Wake who made me a Major Leaguer. He was hard on me in a great way. Thoughts and prayers🙏 to his beautiful family. #RIPWake #ForeverThankful pic.twitter.com/Z14Y6VdcV8
— Don Orsillo (@DonOrsillo) October 1, 2023
Former Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks, who worked with Wakefield at NESN, shared a heartbroken reaction to the news along with his wife, former NESN sideline reporter Jenny Dell.
Absolutely heartbroken. Wake was a good man. This is awful.
— Will Middlebrooks (@middlebrooks) October 1, 2023
💔 speechless https://t.co/2Yews2HE2i
— Jenny Dell (@JennyDell_) October 1, 2023
We are heartbroken at the passing of Tim Wakefield. Tim was a longtime supporter of Franciscan Children’s. He would frequently bring our adaptive sports athletes to Fenway Park, visit with patients, & help us raise needed funds. He was our hero & will be greatly missed. @Redsox pic.twitter.com/DJ2jI7CTYq
— Franciscan Childrens (@FranciscanHFC) October 1, 2023
Wakefield was known for his work in the Boston community, particularly with children in hospitals. Franciscan Children's shared a message about his impact.
We are heartbroken at the passing of Tim Wakefield. Tim was a longtime supporter of Franciscan Children’s. He would frequently bring our adaptive sports athletes to Fenway Park, visit with patients, & help us raise needed funds. He was our hero & will be greatly missed. @Redsox pic.twitter.com/DJ2jI7CTYq
— Franciscan Childrens (@FranciscanHFC) October 1, 2023
Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, current Mass. Governor Maura Healy, current Mass. Mayor Michelle Wu, and the Boston Police Department shared heartfelt messages.
Tim Wakefield was a gentleman. He reinvented himself as a ballplayer more than once & became one of the players that broke the curse. He set an example for us all & I’m grateful that he and his family made MA their home. RIP Tim, we won’t see another like you for a long time. 🙏
— Charlie Baker (@CharlieBakerMA) October 1, 2023
My heart is with Stacy, Trevor, Brianna, and the entire Wakefield family today as we remember the life and legacy of Tim Wakefield.
A great ball player and a better man - we will miss you, Tim. ❤️ https://t.co/DjfAVO2E9D— Marty Walsh (@MartyJWalsh) October 1, 2023
This one hurts.
Tim Wakefield epitomized class, empathy, and devotion to his family, team, and community.
He will be truly missed and my condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him. https://t.co/zrV9ZBIRks— Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) October 1, 2023
Boston City Hall is lit in Red Sox colors tonight in honor of Tim Wakefield and all that he contributed to his team and our city. I extend my sincere condolences to Tim’s family and all who share in mourning his loss. pic.twitter.com/DYqiHLdFHM
— Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 (@MayorWu) October 2, 2023
The BPD extends our sincere condolences to the Wakefield family and all of Red Sox Nation at the loss of Tim Wakefield. Tim was a great player and even a better friend to all of our Fenway Park officers and entire department. https://t.co/a1vuNsITYT
— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) October 2, 2023
The Red Sox and Orioles honored Wakefield with a moment of silence before Sunday's game at Camden Yards.
Here is the moment of silence from Baltimore pic.twitter.com/hg432PijH7
— WEEI Red Sox Network (@SoxBooth) October 1, 2023
Red Sox manager Alex Cora dedicated the team's Sunday win over the Orioles to Wakefield.
Today we played for Wake.
He was a great man/husband/father/teammate/friend. He loved his family and the Red Sox. He was proud to represent our organization on and off the field.
We did our best to honor him.
He will be missed.
💔— Alex (@ac13alex) October 2, 2023