(Boston) Butterfly ball specialist Tim Wakefield died at age 57 on Sunday.
The Boston Red Sox announced the former pitcher’s death in a press release on Sunday.
Wakefield was battling brain cancer, former teammate Curt Schilling revealed on his podcast last week. The Red Sox confirmed the illness at that time but did not elaborate on the situation, saying Wakefield had requested privacy.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the first baseman who set the college home run record, Wakefield converted to pitching and became a butterfly ball master in the minor leagues.
Counting this pitch, Wakefield has won 200 games in the majors, including 186 with the Red Sox — which ranks him third in team history behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens.
However, it was his role in the rivalry between the New York Yankees and Red Sox in the early 2000s that made him a fan favorite.
After the Yankees came from behind in Game 7 of the 2003 American Championship Series, Wakefield was called up in relief in 11It is mango. He gave up a game-winning home run to Aaron Boone that ended the Red Sox’ season and extended the World Series drought that had persisted since 1918.
The following year, with the Red Sox once again in danger of elimination against the “Bronx Bombers”, Wakefield had nine strikeouts in extra innings, paving the way for his team’s 14-game victory.It is.
The Red Sox erased an 0-3 deficit in this series before beating the St. Louis Cardinals to win their first World Series in 86 years.
Wakefield and the Red Sox triumphed again three years later in 2007.
“There were years when I didn’t know if I would come back or not,” Wakefield said upon confirming his retirement in 2012. “But I’m very grateful to have been able to wear this uniform for so long and to have won two World Series for this great city. »
Wakefield was 11-3 when he made his only career appearance in the All-Star Game in 2009. He was the second oldest player to appear for the first time, after Satchel Paige.
Wakefield was also the oldest to sign his 200thIt is victory, at age 45, in September 2011. He announced his retirement during the following training.
In his career, he boasted a 200-180 record and a 4.41 earned run average.
“Tim was more than a reliable and versatile star pitcher, a respected teammate and two-time World Series champion,” commented commissioner Rob Manfred, highlighting Wakefield and his family’s work for New England communities.
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his butterfly ball,” responded Red Sox owner John Henry. Not only did he captivate us on the field, but he was one of the rare athletes whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and authentic spirit.
“He had a remarkable ability to inspire and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and we all feel his loss deeply. »
