Baseball World Mourns The Loss Of Tim Wakefield

Getty Image / Boston Red Sox

Boston Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield passed away on Sunday, following a battle with illness. He was 57 years old.

Wakefield is a legend in Boston for his seventeen seasons with the Boston Red Sox. The two-time World Series Champion won 200 games in his career.

Of course, Tim Wakefield is most-known for his incredible knuckle ball. For many years, he was the only knuckle baller in the major leagues. And, the fact that he played for one of the league’s marquee teams helped make him famous around the league.

It wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill knuckle ball, either. This pitch absolutely dance. Take a look.

He made one all-star team in 2009, and pitched to ERA’s under 3 in 1995 and 2002.

Earlier this week, his declining health was outed by controversial former pitcher Curt Schilling, who was a longtime teammate of Wakefield. That drew widespread consternation, as Tim Wakefield and his family were trying to keep things private.

On Sunday, it was announced that Wakefield has passed away.

Tributes instantly started pouring in for the Red Sox legend.

“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 prayers are with the Wakefield family and all who knew and loved Tim,” MLB said in a statement.

All-time great sports journalist of the Boston Globe Bob Ryan said, “Sticking with baseball for a moment, the late Tim Wakefield’s 16-1 Red Sox start in 1995 stands as the greatest stretch of knuckleball pitching in baseball history. Don’t bother to argue.”

And, take a look at this statement by fellow Sox legend Kevin Youkilis. All class.