Tim Wakefield: A Red Sox Legend Remembered
Tim Wakefield, the beloved knuckleballer who spent 19 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, passed away on October 1, 2023, at the age of 57. He was a beloved figure in Boston, and his death has left a hole in the hearts of Red Sox fans everywhere.
Wakefield was a unique and special pitcher. He was the last of the true knuckleballers, and his mastery of the pitch was a thing of beauty. He was also a fiercely competitive player who never gave up.
Wakefield made his major league debut with the Red Sox in 1992, and he quickly became a fan favorite. He was known for his quirky personality and his sense of humor. But more importantly, he was a winner.
Wakefield helped the Red Sox win two World Series championships, in 2004 and 2007. He was also a six-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove winner.
Wakefield’s time with the Red Sox was filled with many memorable highlights. Here are just a few:
- Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS: Wakefield pitched 7.1 innings of shutout ball to help the Red Sox defeat the New York Yankees and force a Game 7. The Red Sox would go on to win the game and the World Series, ending an 86-year championship drought.
- Knuckleball Perfect Game: On April 27, 1997, Wakefield threw a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians. It was the first perfect game by a Red Sox pitcher since 1883.
- 200 Wakefield Knuckleballs: On August 4, 2007, Wakefield threw his 200th career knuckleball strikeout. He is the only pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone.
- Red Sox All-Time Leader in Wins: Wakefield is the Red Sox all-time leader in wins with 200. He is also the team’s all-time leader in innings pitched with 3,164.
Wakefield was more than just a great pitcher. He was also a great teammate and a great person. He was always willing to help others, and he was always positive and upbeat.
Wakefield’s death is a huge loss for the Red Sox organization and for baseball fans everywhere. He was a true legend, and he will be deeply missed.
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