Tim Wakefield, the knuckleballing workhorse of the Red Sox pitching staff who bounced back after giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees in the 2003 playoffs to help Boston win its curse-busting World Series title the following year, has died. He was 57.
The Red Sox announced his death in a statement Sunday. Wakefield had brain cancer, according to ex-teammate Curt Schilling, who outed the illness on a podcast last week -- drawing an outpouring of support for Wakefield. The Red Sox confirmed an illness at the time but did not elaborate, saying Wakefield had requested privacy.Drafted by the Pirates as a first baseman who set home run records in college, Wakefield converted to a pitcher after mastering the knuckleball in the minor leagues.
The following October, with the Red Sox season again at risk against the Yankees in the ALCS, Wakefield got nine outs in extra innings of Game 5, setting up David Ortiz to win it in the 14th. The Red Sox went on to complete their comeback from a three-games-to-none deficit and then sweep St. Louis in the World Series to claim their first championship in 86 years.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, center, is embraced by teammate Jon Lester, left, as Sox minor league pitching coach Rich Sauveur looks on after Wakefield announced his retirement at the Sox's baseball spring training complex Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, in Fort Myers, Fla.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tim Wakefield, who revived his career and Red Sox trophy case with knuckleball, has died at 57BOSTON (AP) — Tim Wakefield, the knuckleballing workhorse of the Red Sox pitching staff who bounced back after giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees in the 2003 playoffs to help Boston win its curse-busting World Series title the followin
Read more »
Tim Wakefield, who revived his career and Red Sox trophy case with knuckleball, has died at 57The Red Socks announced Wakefield’s death and confirmed an illness at the time but did not elaborate. According to ex-teammate Curt Schilling, Wakefield had brain cancer
Read more »
Tim Wakefield, who revived his career and Red Sox trophy case with knuckleball, has died at 57BOSTON (AP) — Tim Wakefield, the knuckleballing workhorse of the Red Sox pitching staff who bounced back after giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees in the 2003 playoffs to help Boston win its curse-busting World Series title the followin
Read more »
Ryan Mountcastle leads AL East champion O's over Red Sox for 101st winRyan Mountcastle hit a tiebreaking double in the seventh inning and scored on an infield hit to lead the AL East champion Baltimore Orioles over the last-place Boston Red Sox 5-2 on Saturday night for their 101st win.
Read more »
Nick Pivetta shines as Boston Red Sox blank AL East champion Baltimore OriolesNick Pivetta allowed two hits in seven impressive innings and Trevor Story hit a two-run homer in the fifth to lift the Boston Red Sox to a 3-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.
Read more »
High-spending San Diego Padres eliminated despite win over Chicago White SoxThe high-spending San Diego Padres were eliminated from postseason contention on Friday night despite a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.
Read more »