TIM WAKEFIELD DEAD AT AGE 57, WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH BRAIN CANCER
By Space Coast Daily // October 2, 2023
former Red Sox teammate Curt Schilling announced the diagnosis on his podcast last week
SPACE COAST DAILY TV: Legendary knuckleballer Tim Wakefield stood before a sold-out crowd of friends, fans and admirers during the inaugural Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame induction in 2012 and searched for words to describe his feelings at the moment.
Wakefield played prep baseball at Eau Gallie High School and college ball at Florida Tech before rising to the big leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Red Sox.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — Space Coast Sports Hall of Famer Tim Wakefield, 57, who was recently diagnosed with brain cancer, has died at age 57.
Wakefield’s former teammate Curt Schilling announced the diagnosis on his podcast last week.
“Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield,” said a spokesperson for Boston Red Sox. 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 Stacy, Trevor, Brianna, and the Wakefield family.”
“Recently, Tim was diagnosed with a very serious, very aggressive form of brain cancer,” Schilling said, according to Sports Illustrated’s The Spun website.
Schilling also said that Wakefield recently underwent surgery.
In 19 Major League seasons, Wakefield had a 4.41 ERA with a 200-180 record and 2,156 strikeouts. He was best known for his knuckleball.
In 2012, the legendary knuckleballer stood before a sold-out crowd of friends, fans and admirers at the inaugural Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame induction and searched for words to describe his feelings at the moment.
Wakefield, usually a cool customer on and off the playing field, fought back tears welling up in his eyes while thanking the coaches he played for along the way in his long baseball career and for the unwavering support of his family.
“I wouldn’t be here today if not for my high school coach, Ken Campbell, or my college coach Les Hall,” Wakefield said.
“I also would like to thank my wife, Stacy, for allowing me to pursue my dream.”
Inducted in the professional athlete category, Wakefield played prep baseball at Eau Gallie High School and his college ball at Florida Tech before rising to the big leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Boston Red Sox.
He won 200 games in the major leagues and despite playing in key playoff matchups, the All-Star Game and in the World Series before millions of fans, he said being inducted into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame is the top honor he’s ever been given.
“There’s something special about being recognized by those in your hometown,” Wakefield said.
“Melbourne is my home and always will be and this is something I will remember forever. Of all of the awards I have been given, this one means the most to me.”
FOR INFORMATION about the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame, or to make a nomination, e-mail Contact@SpaceCoastDaily.com or call 321-615-8111.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MEMBERS OF THE SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME
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