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Timothy Stephen Wakefield (August 2, 1966 – October 1, 2023) was an American professional baseball knuckleball pitcher. Wakefield began his Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but is most remembered for his 17-year tenure with the Boston Red Sox, where he was a part of two World Series championships in 2004 and 2007.[1] When he retired at age 45 after 19 seasons in MLB, Wakefield was the oldest active player in the major leagues.[2]

Key Information

Wakefield won his 200th career game on September 13, 2011, and he ranks third in career wins in Red Sox franchise history (186), behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens. He is second in all-time wins at Fenway Park with 97, behind Clemens's 100, and is the all-time leader in innings pitched by a Red Sox pitcher, with 3,006, having surpassed Clemens's total of 2,777 on June 8, 2010.[3][4] Wakefield was an All-Star in 2009 and he won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2010.[5]

Early life

[edit]

Wakefield was born in Melbourne, Florida, on August 2, 1966. He attended Eau Gallie High School and then attended Florida Institute of Technology, where he played college baseball for the Florida Tech Panthers. At Florida Tech, he was named the Panthers' team most valuable player as a first baseman in his sophomore and junior years. He set a single-season Panthers record with 22 home runs, as well as the career home run record at 40. In 2006, his uniform number, No. 3, was retired by the college.[6]

Professional career

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Pittsburgh Pirates

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Draft and minor leagues

[edit]
Wakefield's first baseball card, with the Watertown Pirates in 1988

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Wakefield as a first baseman in the eighth round of the 1988 MLB draft. He received a $15,000 signing bonus from the Pirates.[7] After a scout told him that he would never get above Double-A ball as a position player with his skills, Wakefield decided to re-invent himself as a knuckleball pitcher.[8]

The following season, Wakefield made his professional pitching debut while playing for the Single-A Salem Buccaneers. His immediate success led to a full conversion to pitcher in 1990, and he led the Carolina League in starts and innings pitched. Wakefield advanced to Double-A in 1991, leading all Pirates minor leaguers in wins, innings pitched, and complete games when he went 15–8 with a 2.90 earned run average.[8]

1992–1994

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In 1992, Wakefield began the season with the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons of the American Association. He registered a league-high six complete games by July 31—winning 10 games with a 3.06 earned run average—and was called up to the majors. In his major league debut, Wakefield threw a complete game against the St. Louis Cardinals, striking out 10 batters while throwing 146 pitches.[9]

Down the stretch, Wakefield provided a boost for the playoff-bound Pirates, starting 13 games and compiling an 8–1 record with a 2.15 earned run average, a performance that won him the National League Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award from The Sporting News. After winning the National League East division, the Pirates faced the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series. Wakefield won both of his starts against Braves star Tom Glavine, throwing a complete game five-hitter in Game 3 of the NLCS and another complete game in Game 6 on three days' rest.[10][11] The Braves would win Game 7 to advance to the World Series.

The Pirates named Wakefield their Opening Day starter for the 1993 season. Wakefield walked nine batters on Opening Day.[7] After losing his spot in the starting rotation, Wakefield was sent down to Double-A in July.[12] He was recalled in September and struggled again, finishing the season with a 6–11 record and a 5.61 earned run average.[7]

Wakefield spent most of 1994 with Triple-A Buffalo. He led the league in losses, walks, and home runs allowed. Wakefield was recalled to the Pirates in September but he did not play due to the players strike.[13] The Pirates released Wakefield on April 20, 1995.[14]

Boston Red Sox

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Six days after being released from the Pirates, Wakefield was signed by the Boston Red Sox. He worked with Phil and Joe Niekro, two former knuckleballers, who encouraged him to use the knuckleball as an out pitch. With the Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox, Wakefield went 2–1 with a 2.52 earned run average.[1]

1995–1998

[edit]
Wakefield with the Red Sox

With the Boston Red Sox rotation struggling from injuries to top of the rotation starters Roger Clemens and Aaron Sele early in the 1995 season, Wakefield was called up from Triple-A, and soon proved to be their most dependable starter.[15] He began the season with a 1.65 earned run average and a 14–1 record through 17 games, six of which were complete games. He ended the year 16–8 with a 2.95 earned run average, helping the Red Sox win the American League East division title, and capturing the Sporting News American League Comeback Player of the Year. He finished third in the AL Cy Young Award balloting.[1]

Over the next three seasons (1996–1998), Wakefield won 43 games and had earned run averages of 5.14, 4.25, and 4.58 over that time as a starter.[1] In 1997, he led Major League Baseball by hitting 16 batters with a pitch. He would repeat this feat in 2001 plunking a career-high 18 batters.[1]

1999–2002

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In 1999, Boston's closer Tom Gordon was injured and manager Jimy Williams installed Wakefield as the new closer during the middle part of the season.[16] On August 10, 1999, he joined a select group of pitchers who have struck out four batters in one inning. Because the fluttering knuckleball produces many passed balls, several knuckleballers share this honor with him. He recorded 15 saves before Derek Lowe emerged as the new closer and Wakefield returned to the starting rotation.[1][17]

Because of his success out of the bullpen, Wakefield was regularly moved from the position of relief pitcher to starter and back again over the next three seasons (2000–2002). He made 15 starts in 2002.[7]

2003–2008

[edit]

Wakefield returned to Boston's starting rotation permanently in 2003.[7] In that season's American League Championship Series, he allowed four runs over 14 innings against the New York Yankees. He started Games 1 and 4 of the series against Mike Mussina and won both starts. He was also called in to pitch in extra innings of Game 7, after the Yankees tied the game. The Red Sox had been leading 5–2 in the eighth inning. After retiring the side in order in the 10th, Wakefield gave up a home run to Aaron Boone on his first pitch of the 11th, sending the Yankees to the World Series. Wakefield apologized to fans after the game.[18]

Wakefield (right) holding the 2004 World Series Trophy

In 2004, Wakefield helped the Red Sox win the American League Championship Series against the Yankees, a best-of-seven series to advance to the World Series. The Red Sox lost the first two games of the American League Championship Series and were losing badly in Game 3 when Wakefield asked to be put into the game to save the other pitchers for the next day. He pitched 3+1⁄3 innings which prevented him from starting Game 4.[19] Derek Lowe started Game 4 in his place which the Red Sox ultimately won. In Game 5, Wakefield again pitched out of the bullpen and was the winning pitcher in a 14-inning game, throwing three shutout innings as the Red Sox won 5–4.[20] The Red Sox beat the Yankees and went on to the World Series. He pitched Game 1 of the 2004 World Series, but did not get a decision as Boston defeated the St. Louis Cardinals, 11–9, which was the highest-scoring Game 1 in World Series history. The Red Sox swept the Cardinals for their first World Series title in 86 years.[21]

On April 19, 2005, Wakefield agreed to a $4 million, one-year "rolling" contract extension that gave the Red Sox the ability to keep Wakefield for the rest of his career.[22] In the 2005 season, Wakefield led the Red Sox pitching staff with 16 wins and a 4.15 earned run average. On September 11, 2005, he set a career high in strikeouts (12) in a 1–0 complete game loss to the New York Yankees.[23]

In 2007, Wakefield finished the season with a 17–12 record and started Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, taking the loss, but was left off the Red Sox roster for the World Series due to an injured shoulder that had been bothering him since late September.[24]

The 12 passed balls while he was pitching topped the majors in 2008.[25]

2009

[edit]

Wakefield entered his 15th season with the Boston Red Sox in 2009.[26] On April 15, 2009, a day after the Red Sox bullpen was tasked with pitching over 11 innings of relief, telling manager Terry Francona not to remove him from the game. He pitched a no-hitter into the eighth inning, and earned a complete game win.[27] At 42, this made him the oldest Red Sox pitcher to pitch a complete game, a record he would break himself in his next start when he pitched a second consecutive complete game win, this time in a seven-inning, rain-shortened game.[28]

Wakefield led the team with a 10–3 record through June 27.[29] With his start on July 3, 2009, Wakefield surpassed Roger Clemens for the most starts in franchise history.[30] His success on the mound had him atop the major leagues with 10 wins at the time of the 2009 All-Star selection. On July 5, 2009, he was announced as an AL All-Star, making him the second-oldest first-time All-Star at 42, behind only Satchel Paige who was 45.[31] By the All-Star break, Wakefield possessed a major league-best 11–3 record.[32] Wakefield did not see action in St. Louis, as he was not needed by Joe Maddon. On July 21, Wakefield was placed on the disabled list due to a lower back strain.[33] He returned from the disabled list on August 26 against the Chicago White Sox, pitching seven innings while allowing one earned run to earn a no decision.[34]

2010

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Wakefield entered his 16th season with the Boston Red Sox in 2010. He began the year in the starting rotation until Daisuke Matsuzaka came off the disabled list. He later rejoined the rotation due to an injury to Josh Beckett. On May 12, Wakefield recorded his 2,000th career strikeout against Vernon Wells of the Toronto Blue Jays in a 3–2 loss. He joined Jamie Moyer, Javier Vázquez, and Andy Pettitte as the only active pitchers with at least 2,000 career strikeouts.[35] On June 8, Wakefield passed Roger Clemens for the most innings pitched by a Red Sox pitcher. He went on to win that game 3–2 over the Cleveland Indians.[36] On June 13, Wakefield joined Moyer and Pettitte as the only active pitchers with 3,000 innings pitched. He accomplished this feat by retiring Shane Victorino of the Philadelphia Phillies on a fly ball to left.[37] On July 2, he surpassed Clemens for another record, this for starts at Fenway Park; he went eight innings to win 3–2 over the Baltimore Orioles.[38]

On September 8, against the Tampa Bay Rays, he became the oldest Red Sox pitcher ever to win a game;[39] he is also the oldest player to appear in a game for the Red Sox at Fenway.[40]

On October 28, before Game 2 of the 2010 World Series, Wakefield received the Roberto Clemente Award.[41]

2011

[edit]

Wakefield's 2011 season was followed in the documentary film Knuckleball![42][43] Wakefield started his seventeenth season in a Red Sox uniform as a reliever, but injuries to John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka moved him into the starting rotation.[44]

On May 11, 2011, Wakefield pitched 1+1⁄3 innings in relief as the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Red Sox 9–3 at the Rogers Centre. He became, at 44 years, 282 days, the oldest player ever to appear for the Red Sox. At the All-Star break, Wakefield had a 5–3 record with a 4.74 earned run average.[45] On July 24, 2011, while pitching against the Seattle Mariners, Wakefield recorded his 2,000th strikeout in a Red Sox uniform against Mike Carp; he also recorded his 199th career win in that game.[46]

It took Wakefield eight attempts to earn his 200th career win after his 199th, finally doing so in an 18–6 rout over the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 13, 2011. The victory came at a time when the Red Sox were in dire need of wins, with the Tampa Bay Rays gaining substantial ground in the race for the American League wild card as Boston fell four games behind the New York Yankees in the AL East division standings.[47] Boston eventually missed the playoffs by one game, and Wakefield ended the season at 7–8 with a 5.12 earned run average.[1]

Wakefield (right) with journalist Keith Olbermann in 2012

For the 2012 season, Wakefield was offered a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training, by the Red Sox. Wakefield announced his retirement on February 17, 2012.[48]

Wakefield finished his Red Sox career third in wins (behind Roger Clemens and Cy Young), second in strikeouts (behind Clemens), second in game appearances by a pitcher (behind reliever Bob Stanley), first in games started as a pitcher, and first in innings pitched.[49]

Playing style

[edit]

Pitching style

[edit]
Wakefield throwing a knuckleball in a 2006 game

Wakefield pitched with a 3⁄4-overhand motion. This also revealed some of his pitches to hitters, because they could see his hand. Wakefield's primary pitch, the knuckleball, was thrown between 45 and 69 miles per hour (72 and 111 km/h) and had a great deal of variance in how much it "fluttered". The flutter of his knuckleball depended on a variety of factors including temperature, humidity, precipitation (both type and intensity), air resistance, wind speed, wind direction, the condition of the ball, and very small changes in his grip or the orientation of the seams. Wakefield also featured a 71–75 miles per hour (114–121 km/h) fastball and a curveball which averaged between 57 and 61 miles per hour (92 and 98 km/h).[50]

Knuckleball pitchers are traditionally believed to be able to pitch more frequently and for more pitches per game than conventional pitchers. Throughout the first decade of his career, Wakefield followed a similar pattern: on April 27, 1993, he threw 172 pitches over 10+ innings in a game for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Atlanta Braves.[51] In his first two weeks with the Red Sox, Wakefield pitched a total of 33+1⁄3 innings, including two complete games in addition to a 7+1⁄3-inning emergency start on just two days' rest.[52] As late as the 2003 and 2004 American League Championship Series, Wakefield was making relief appearances between starts. In the later years of his career, the Red Sox generally treated Wakefield more like conventional pitchers in terms of pitch count, rarely allowing him to pitch more than about 110 pitches per game, and giving him four days of rest. Also, because of the relatively low wear on their pitching arms, knuckleball pitchers tend to have longer professional careers than most other pitchers.[53]

At the time of his retirement, Wakefield was seventh on the all-time hit batters list.[54]

Personal catcher

[edit]

Because of the difficulty of catching a knuckleball, the Red Sox sometimes carried a backup catcher who specialized in defense and who caught most or all of Wakefield's starts. For several years, his personal catcher was Doug Mirabelli, who used a league-approved mitt similar to a softball catcher's mitt for catching Wakefield. Josh Bard briefly caught Wakefield during the first month of the 2006 season, before Boston reacquired Mirabelli on May 1 after trading him to San Diego the previous offseason. Mirabelli was released in the spring of 2008 and Wakefield's catcher was Kevin Cash during 2008. George Kottaras became his personal catcher in 2009. Victor Martinez was acquired by the Red Sox on July 31, 2009, and began catching for Wakefield on August 26, 2009. Martinez experimented catching Wakefield's pitches with various gloves and mitts before settling on a first baseman's mitt.[55]

Due to injuries to both Martinez and Jason Varitek, Boston reacquired Cash from the Houston Astros on July 1, 2010, to serve as Wakefield's catcher as well as the primary catcher.[56] Martinez became Wakefield's catcher once more when he returned. In 2011, Wakefield began the season in the bullpen and both Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek caught him when he entered games. When Wakefield returned to the rotation, Saltalamacchia was the catcher in each game he started.[57]

Post-MLB career

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In June 2012, Wakefield joined NESN as a studio analyst for Red Sox coverage.[58] He continued to serve as a studio analyst through the 2023 season.[59]

In August 2015, Wakefield signed on as a spokesperson for Farmington Bank, making appearances at branch grand openings and in television, radio, and print advertisements.[60]

Personal life

[edit]
Wakefield's children lifting the Commissioner's Trophy at Fenway Park in 2024

Wakefield became an evangelical Christian in 1990.[61] Wakefield met his wife, Stacy Stover, in Massachusetts and they were married on November 9, 2002. They had two children, Trevor (born 2004) and Brianna (born 2005).[62][63] In 2010, Wakefield bought a house in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, for $1,825,000.[64] Wakefield was part owner of a restaurant in Pembroke, Massachusetts, called Turner's Yard. One of his partners in the restaurant was National Hockey League player Shawn Thornton.[65]

Philanthropy

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A sign for Wakefield at the 2007 World Series Rolling Rally celebration

Wakefield was nominated eight times by the Red Sox for the Roberto Clemente Award, presented to the player who best reflects the spirit of giving back to the community, winning the award in 2010.[5] Wakefield partnered with the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston to bring patients to Fenway Park to share time with him on and off the field.[66]

Wakefield hosted an annual celebrity golf tournament, raising over $10 million for the Space Coast Early Intervention Center, a pre-school program for children with special needs.[67][68]

Wakefield was also active with New England's Pitching In for Kids organization, a program dedicated to improving the lives of children across the New England region, and the Touch 'Em All Foundation founded by Garth Brooks.[69]

In 2007, Wakefield released a charity wine called CaberKnuckle, in association with Longball Vineyards, with 100% of the proceeds supporting Pitching in for Kids; the wine raised more than $100,000.[70]

In 2013, the Red Sox named Wakefield Honorary Chairman of the Red Sox Foundation. In that role, Wakefield supported fundraising events, community service days, and personal visits.[71]

Death

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On October 1, 2023, Wakefield died at his home in Massachusetts of a seizure resulting from brain cancer. He was 57.[72][62] The cancer diagnosis had been revealed days earlier by Curt Schilling, Wakefield's former Red Sox teammate, stirring controversy because the release of this news was not authorized by Wakefield or his family.[62][73]

On February 28, 2024, his widow, Stacy Wakefield, died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 53.[74]

On March 18, 2024, the Red Sox announced that they would be wearing his uniform number as a patch for the entirety of the 2024 season.[75]

On April 9, 2024, the 2004 Red Sox reunited at Fenway Park for their 20th anniversary celebration on Opening Day against the Orioles. The pregame ceremony was also dedicated to the Wakefields, along with Red Sox president Larry Lucchino, who died of heart failure on April 2 at the age of 78. Wakefield's children, Trevor and Brianna, led the 2004 team in from left field. Brianna threw the ceremonial first pitch to Jason Varitek.[76][77]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tim Wakefield

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Timothy Stephen Wakefield (August 2, 1966 – October 1, 2023) was an American professional baseball pitcher renowned for his mastery of the , a pitch that fluttered unpredictably to confound hitters throughout his 19-season (MLB) career. Born in , Wakefield initially played as a before transitioning to pitching, debuting with the in 1992 after being drafted by them in the eighth round of the 1988 MLB Draft out of Tech. Wakefield's career took off with the Pirates, where he posted an impressive 8-1 record and a 2.15 in 1992, earning third place in National League Rookie of the Year voting, but he struggled in 1993, spent 1994 in the minors, and was released by the Pirates in April 1995 before signing with the Red Sox later that month. With the Red Sox, he became a of the rotation for 17 seasons, compiling 186 of his 200 career victories—placing him just six shy of the franchise record—while logging over 3,000 , a testament to his durability despite the knuckleball's physical toll. His unorthodox delivery and the pitch's erratic movement made him a fan favorite in . Among Wakefield's most notable achievements were his roles in ending the Red Sox's 86-year drought in and securing another championship in 2007, appearances that highlighted his value in high-stakes postseason play despite a career ERA of 4.41 and 2,156 strikeouts. He earned an selection in 2009 and the in 2010 for his humanitarian efforts, including extensive work with the Red Sox Foundation to support children and families in need. Wakefield retired after the 2011 season, later serving as a color analyst for broadcasts, and passed away in 2023 at age 57 following a private battle with brain cancer; his wife, Stacy, whom he married in 2002, died of on February 28, 2024.

Early life

Family background

Tim Wakefield was born on August 2, 1966, in , to parents and Judy Wakefield, who came from a working-class family in the area. His father, , worked the early morning shift from 3 a.m. to 11 a.m. at , where he designed circuits, while his mother, Judy, was employed there as a purchaser and professional assistant. This demanding schedule for both parents limited family time but fostered a strong emphasis on and outdoor activities in their household. Wakefield grew up in the Eau Gallie neighborhood of alongside his younger sister, Kelly, in a modest environment that encouraged active participation in local sports from an early age. His father's passion for played a key role in shaping family dynamics, as often played catch with Tim in the backyard, introducing him to the grip around age seven or eight despite Tim's initial reluctance. This early interaction, combined with the family's support for physical pursuits, sparked Tim's interest in amid Florida's year-round playing weather. During his childhood, Wakefield's first organized exposure to came through local youth leagues, including T-ball and Little League, where he honed basic skills while idolizing outfielder . These experiences in the Eau Gallie community laid the groundwork for his lifelong connection to the sport, influenced by his parents' encouragement despite their busy work lives.

Education and college baseball

Wakefield attended in , where he graduated in 1984 and developed his early athletic talents, particularly in as a hard-hitting . After a brief enrollment at without playing , he transferred to the (Florida Tech) in , where he played for the Panthers from 1986 to 1988 as a . During his time at Florida Tech, Wakefield achieved significant milestones, including being named team Most Valuable Player in both 1987 and 1988. He set school career records with 40 home runs and a .646 , along with 140 RBIs, highlighting his power-hitting prowess. In recognition of his contributions, Florida Tech retired his uniform number 3 in 2006. Wakefield's college performance led to his selection by the in the eighth round (200th overall) of the 1988 MLB Draft as a .

Professional baseball career

Draft, conversion, and

Wakefield was selected by the in the eighth round of the , 200th overall, as a from Tech. He signed for a $15,000 bonus, with the Pirates committing to cover the remainder of his college tuition costs. Assigned to the rookie-level Watertown Pirates of the New York-Penn League, he appeared in 54 games at first base, batting .189 with three home runs and 20 RBIs while striking out 57 times in 192 plate appearances. Wakefield's offensive struggles persisted into 1989, as he hit .216 with one and eight RBIs in 47 games split between the Class-A Augusta Pirates of the and the short-season Class-A Welland Pirates of the New York-Penn League. Amid these difficulties, the organization converted him to pitching that spring, recognizing his arm strength and prior experience throwing a rudimentary learned from his father in youth. Under guidance from instructors, Wakefield refined the as his primary pitch, which featured unpredictable movement due to its low velocity and spin reduction. In his first professional season on the mound, Wakefield posted a 1-1 record with a 3.40 over 18 relief appearances and 39.2 for , allowing 30 hits while striking out 44 batters. He transitioned to a starter role in 1990 with the Class-A Advanced Salem Buccaneers of the , where he went 10-14 with a 4.73 in 28 starts, logging 190.1 . Advancing to Double-A in 1991 with the of the Southern League, Wakefield recorded a 15-8 mark with a 2.90 in 26 starts and 183 ; he then debuted at Triple-A with the of the American Association, going 0-1 with an 11.57 in one start over 4.2 . His minor league development culminated in 1992 at Buffalo, where he excelled with a 10-3 record and 3.06 in 20 starts before earning a major league promotion.

Pittsburgh Pirates tenure (1992–1994)

Tim Wakefield made his debut on July 31, 1992, for the against the St. Louis Cardinals at . In that game, the 25-year-old right-hander delivered a complete-game victory, allowing three unearned runs on six hits and five walks while striking out 10 batters over 146 pitches. This performance marked the first win of his MLB career and highlighted his potential as a knuckleball specialist, a pitch he had developed during his tenure. Wakefield's rookie season in 1992 was a standout, as he compiled an 8–1 record with a 2.15 over 13 starts and 92 , allowing just 76 and 51 batters. His success contributed to the Pirates' third consecutive Division title, and he earned recognition as the National League Rookie Pitcher of the Year while finishing third in the overall NL Rookie of the Year voting. In the postseason, Wakefield shone in the NLCS against the , securing two complete-game victories in Games 3 and 6 with a 3.00 , helping extend the series despite the Pirates' eventual defeat. The promise of 1992 faded in 1993, when Wakefield struggled with command and posted a 6–11 record and 5.61 in 20 starts and 128.1 for , surrendering 145 hits and walking 67. The knuckleball's inherent unpredictability proved challenging, leading to inconsistency and a midseason demotion to Double-A Carolina, where he went 3–5 with a 6.99 . In the strike-shortened 1994 season, Wakefield spent the entire year in Triple-A Buffalo, recording a 5–15 mark and 5.84 over 29 starts in the American Association, leading the league in losses (15), walks (98), and home runs allowed (27) as his continued to lack reliability. Following a poor in 1995, released him on April 20, ending his tenure with the organization after a combined MLB record of 14–12 over two seasons.

Boston Red Sox early years (1995–2002)

After being released by the on April 20, 1995, Wakefield signed with the Boston Red Sox as a minor league free agent on April 26, 1995. He spent the early part of the season with the Triple-A before earning a call-up to the majors. Wakefield made his Red Sox debut on May 27, 1995, against the California Angels at Anaheim Stadium, allowing one run over seven innings in a 12-1 victory. Wakefield quickly established himself as a reliable starter in the Red Sox rotation from 1995 to 1998, posting a cumulative record of 59 wins and 44 losses with a 4.23 over 824.1 . In his rookie year of 1995, he went 16-8 with a 2.95 in 27 starts, finishing fourth in Rookie of the Year voting and helping Boston secure a wild card berth. During that season, Wakefield flirted with a on June 10 against the , holding them hitless for 7⅓ innings before Stan Javier's single ended the bid; he completed the game with a three-hitter in a 4-1 win. The following years saw some inconsistency due to the unpredictable nature of his , with records of 14-13 (5.14 ) in 1996, 12-15 (4.25 ) in 1997, and a career-high 17 wins against eight losses (4.58 ) in 1998, when he led the team in victories and (216). These efforts contributed to Boston's late-1990s resurgence, including wild card appearances in 1995, 1998, and 1999, though the team fell short in each ALDS matchup against the Indians. From 1999 to 2002, Wakefield transitioned between starting and roles amid injuries, including back issues that sidelined him at times, yet he remained a staple with a 32-38 record and 4.45 across 631.1 in 190 appearances. In 1999, he appeared in 49 games, mostly as a reliever, earning 15 saves while posting a 6-11 mark. His 2000 season was challenging, with a 6-10 record and 5.48 ERA in 51 outings, but he rebounded in (9-12, 3.90 ERA) and excelled in (11-5, 2.81 ERA, leading the AL in fewest walks per nine innings among qualifiers). Throughout this period, Wakefield's durability and versatility helped stabilize the pitching staff during Boston's competitive but title-less divisional races.

Boston Red Sox championship era (2003–2011)

Wakefield's tenure with the Boston Red Sox entered a highly successful phase from 2003 to 2011, marked by two championships and his emergence as a reliable workhorse in the rotation. In 2003, he posted an 11-7 record with a 4.09 over 202.1 , helping solidify the Red Sox's pitching staff during their push toward contention. The following year, , Wakefield went 12-10 with a 4.87 in 188.1 , contributing significantly to the team's historic comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS against the New York Yankees. In the against the St. Louis Cardinals, he started Game 1 at , pitching 3 2/3 and allowing five earned runs in an 11-9 victory, though his effort was part of the Red Sox's sweep that ended the 86-year "." From 2005 to 2007, Wakefield maintained his durability, leading the in with 225.1 in 2005 while going 16-12 with a 4.15 . In 2007, he achieved a career-high 17 wins against 12 losses, posting a 4.76 over 189 and providing key in the postseason en route to another title. During the against the Rockies, Wakefield made one appearance, throwing 4 2/3 with a 9.64 , helping secure the Red Sox's second championship in four years. Entering the latter part of his Red Sox career from to , Wakefield continued to lead the team in multiple times, including 181 in (10-11, 4.13 ) and serving as a stabilizing force despite injuries, such as a back issue that limited him to 129.2 in his 2009 All-Star season (11-5, 4.58 ). In 2010, amid a 4-10 record and 5.34 over 140 , Wakefield was honored with the for his exemplary community service, becoming the first Red Sox player to receive the accolade. His final season in saw him go 7-8 with a 5.12 in 154.2 , culminating in his last major league appearance on September 25 against the New York Yankees, where he pitched four and took the loss. Following the season, Wakefield announced his retirement on February 17, 2012, at age 45. Over his 17 seasons with the Red Sox, Wakefield amassed 186 wins, ranking third in franchise history behind and ; 3,006 , the most in team history; and a 4.41 . His longevity and consistency were pivotal to the organization's championship era, embodying the grit that defined Boston's success.

Playing style and technique

Knuckleball pitching

Tim Wakefield's was his signature pitch, characterized by its low velocity and erratic movement that made it exceptionally difficult for hitters to predict and contact solidly. The pitch typically traveled at around 69 , and relied on minimal spin to create unpredictable flight paths influenced by air pressure variations, often described through . This resulted in sharp dives, wobbles, or sudden directional changes near the plate, enhancing its deceptive quality. Wakefield first learned the fundamentals from his father at age 7 or 8 as a childhood novelty, but he professionally adopted and refined it in 1989 during extended with the ' Gulf Coast League affiliate, at the urging of coach Woody Huyke, who noticed him experimenting with it in . Wakefield employed a distinctive grip and release to minimize spin and maximize instability. He used a contorted "claw" grip, often with his right pinkie extended and varying finger placements—sometimes across the seams with two or three fingers, other times without seams—allowing for subtle adjustments based on conditions. The release featured a prim, abbreviated follow-through, with his right foot landing after his left to maintain balance and impart no rotation, causing the ball to "float and hang" erratically en route to the plate. To complement the knuckleball, which comprised the bulk of his arsenal, Wakefield occasionally mixed in a clocked in the low 70s (around 72 mph) and a , each thrown roughly 5-10% of the time for deception; the fastball's relative speed created a stark contrast that further disrupted hitters' timing. The knuckleball's primary advantages lay in its low physical demands, enabling Wakefield to sustain a long career with high workload tolerance—he pitched until age 45 and logged over 3,000 with the Boston Red Sox alone. This approach contributed to his career totals of 200 wins, 2,156 strikeouts, and a 4.41 across 19 major league seasons (1992–1993 with and 1995–2011 with ). However, the pitch's challenges included inconsistent control due to its sensitivity to even minor variations in release or wind, leading to frequent walks (such as nine in a single game) and vulnerability to hard contact when it "hung." Despite these hurdles, the knuckleball's unpredictability allowed Wakefield to remain effective as a starter and reliever, amassing 3,226.1 total .

Supporting cast and catchers

Doug Mirabelli served as Tim Wakefield's primary personal catcher during his Boston Red Sox tenure from 1995 to 2003 and again from 2006 to 2007, developing a specialized that allowed Wakefield to maximize his knuckleball's effectiveness. Traded to the Padres in the 2003 offseason for infielder , Mirabelli's absence forced other catchers to handle Wakefield's unpredictable pitches, leading to challenges; the Red Sox reacquired him on April 30, 2006, specifically to pair with Wakefield after backup catcher Josh Bard allowed 10 passed balls in just five starts that season. Upon his return, Mirabelli caught Wakefield that same night against the New York Yankees, famously arriving via police escort from the airport, and continued to catch the vast majority of his starts, including 94 of 102 starts from 2000 through 2003. Their partnership was built on mutual trust, with Wakefield describing Mirabelli's hands as "the best I’ve ever thrown to" for handling the pitch's erratic movement. To adapt to the knuckleball's rapid directional changes—sometimes occurring in under 150 milliseconds—Mirabelli employed specialized gear, including an oversized mitt similar to a catcher's glove, approved by for better containment of the fluttering ball. He also provided catching guidance, advising Wakefield's battery mates to let the pitch travel deeper into the zone without reaching prematurely, a technique honed through their extensive shared experience. This preparation contributed to fewer mishandled pitches; for instance, in after his reacquisition, Mirabelli recorded no passed balls in his first outing with Wakefield, a stark contrast to Bard's earlier struggles. Following Mirabelli's departures, other Red Sox catchers stepped in with varying success, highlighting the specialized demands of Wakefield's style. , the team's longtime starting catcher, occasionally handled Wakefield but faced difficulties, as evidenced by three passed balls in a single 2003 inning that prolonged a tense contest without allowing runs. emerged as a reliable alternative from 2007 to 2009, catching Wakefield effectively during Mirabelli's injury absences and after his 2008 release, including strong performances in 2007 postseason games and a 2010 emergency recall where he quickly synced with the knuckleballer. These transitions underscored the value of dedicated practice routines, such as bullpen sessions where catchers like Cash and Mirabelli familiarized themselves with pitch sequencing—typically two fastballs, a , four knuckleballs, and a pickoff throw—to minimize wild pitches and passed balls overall.

Post-playing career

Broadcasting roles

Following his retirement from in February 2012, Tim Wakefield joined the Sports Network (NESN) on June 29, 2012, as a studio analyst and occasional for Red Sox broadcasts. In this capacity from 2012 until his death in 2023, Wakefield delivered pregame and postgame analysis, drawing on his expertise as a veteran to provide insights into pitching strategies and game dynamics. His contributions included coverage of the Red Sox's championship run, where he offered commentary during NESN's postseason programming, the 2016 season, highlighted by David Ortiz's retirement, and continued through the 2023 season. Wakefield's broadcasting tenure emphasized his approachable style and deep knowledge of the game, making him a valued addition to NESN's Red Sox team.

Other professional activities

Following his retirement from playing in 2011, Tim Wakefield took on occasional advisory and instructional roles with the Boston Red Sox organization. In , he was appointed as a special assignment instructor, focusing on mentoring pitchers and contributing to team development efforts, including during sessions. He continued in these capacities through his death in 2023, providing guidance on pitching techniques drawn from his extensive career experience. Wakefield also engaged in baseball clinics tied to his professional affiliations with the Red Sox. As honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation, he hosted youth-oriented clinics, such as a 2014 event in where he led instructional sessions for young players on fundamentals like pitching and fielding. These activities emphasized skill-building and access to the sport for community participants. In the commercial sphere, Wakefield served as a celebrity spokesperson for Farmington Bank beginning in August 2015. He promoted the bank's financial products through public appearances at branch openings, television and radio advertisements, and print campaigns, leveraging his local popularity in to highlight community-focused banking services. This role continued for several years, including events like a 2017 mini-golf tournament and a 2018 branch opening in .

Personal life

Family

Tim Wakefield married Stacy Stover on November 9, 2002, after meeting her in . The couple welcomed two children: a son, , born in 2004, and a , , born in 2005. During Wakefield's tenure with the Boston Red Sox, the family lived primarily in the greater Boston area, including Hingham, Massachusetts, while maintaining an offseason residence in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida—near Wakefield's hometown of Melbourne—which they purchased in 2006. Following his retirement in 2011, the Wakefields continued dividing their time between the two states. The Indian Harbour Beach home was sold in January 2025. Stacy Wakefield died on February 28, 2024, in , at age 53, after a battle with .

Philanthropy

Tim Wakefield was a dedicated philanthropist, particularly through his long-term commitment to supporting children with and cancer patients. In 1992, he founded the annual Tim Wakefield Celebrity Golf Classic in , to benefit the Space Coast Early Intervention Center, a nonprofit therapeutic for children with developmental disabilities. Over more than two decades, the event raised more than $10 million for the organization, helping to prevent its closure and expand its services for families in Brevard County. Wakefield also devoted significant time to , the fundraising arm of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, serving as its inaugural Red Sox co-captain in 2002. In this role, he visited patients and families at the institute, attended events including those at , and acted as an ambassador to raise awareness and funds for and care. His efforts inspired widespread participation in Jimmy Fund initiatives, such as the annual radio-telethon and walks, reflecting his personal connection to the cause after bringing the trophy to patients. In recognition of his extensive , including these charitable endeavors, Wakefield received Major League Baseball's 2010 , honoring players for sportsmanship and contributions to society. The award highlighted his work with the Early Intervention Center and , marking him as the first Boston Red Sox player to receive it.

Death and legacy

Illness and passing

In late September 2023, Tim Wakefield was diagnosed with brain cancer, a fact that his family had requested be kept private to allow him to focus on treatment and family time. The diagnosis was publicly revealed without the family's consent on September 28, 2023, by former teammate during a , prompting an outpouring of support but also respecting the family's wish for privacy. Wakefield underwent shortly after the diagnosis as part of his treatment efforts. Wakefield battled the aggressive form of brain cancer in his final days at his home in Hingham, Massachusetts, surrounded by his immediate family. On October 1, 2023, he passed away at age 57 from a seizure resulting from the brain cancer. The news was announced by the Boston Red Sox on behalf of his wife, Stacy, and their two children.

Tributes and impact

Following Tim Wakefield's death on October 1, 2023, the Boston Red Sox and Major League Baseball organizations issued immediate tributes, reflecting his profound impact on the sport and community. The Red Sox held a moment of silence before their season finale against the Baltimore Orioles that evening, with players lining up on the field in a show of unity and respect. Teammates and former managers shared heartfelt statements, including David Ortiz, who described Wakefield as "like my family" and a "great guy," posting an emotional Instagram tribute expressing his heartbreak over the loss of his longtime friend and 2004 World Series comrade. In the 2024 season, the Red Sox continued these honors during their April 9 ceremony at Fenway Park marking the 20th anniversary of the 2004 championship, where another moment of silence was observed for Wakefield and his wife, Stacy; former manager Terry Francona narrated a video tribute emphasizing his kindness and philanthropy. In 2025, posthumous tributes included Wakefield's induction into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame in May and the annual Tim Wakefield Memorial Golf Tournament in September, which raised funds for the Red Sox Foundation. Wakefield's legacy as a endures as a testament to his resilience and innovation in a game dominated by power arms. He compiled 200 career victories across 19 Major League seasons, including 186 with the Red Sox—third-most in franchise history behind and —while logging a team-record 3,006 . His mastery of the unpredictable , which he adopted after early struggles as a conventional , not only prolonged his career but inspired successors like ; the two shared a mentorship bond, with Wakefield offering tips on grip and mental approach during their overlapping years in the league, helping Dickey refine the pitch that led to his 2012 . Posthumously, Wakefield's honors extend beyond the diamond, with ongoing discussions of his Hall of Fame candidacy highlighting his 200 wins and role in two titles, despite receiving just 0.2% of the vote in his lone appearance in 2017. The Red Sox Foundation, where he served as honorary chairman for nearly three decades, has called for contributions in his memory to sustain his philanthropic initiatives, including support for in and the Home Base program aiding veterans with post-traumatic stress—efforts he championed through thousands of hours of volunteer work. In Boston's storied sports culture, Wakefield stands as a symbol of perseverance, representing the unyielding spirit that defined the team's improbable comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS and ended an 86-year championship curse. His path—from minor-league obscurity to franchise icon—and selfless character made him a role model for fans, embodying the region's blue-collar ethos and leaving an indelible mark on New England lore.

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