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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Red Sox Hall of Famer Tim Wakefield passed away Sunday morning at the age of 57.
Wakefield, known for throwing the knuckleball, spent 17 years of his 19-year career as a pitcher for the Red Sox, winning two World Series Championships in 2004 and 2007.
After his playing career was over, Wakefield remained with the Red Sox as a special assistant and a broadcaster.
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” said Red Sox Principal Owner John Henry. “He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit.”
“It’s one thing to be an outstanding athlete; it’s another to be an extraordinary human being. Tim was both,” said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. “I felt fortunate to call him a close friend and along with all of us in Red Sox Nation, I know the world was made better because he was in it.”
Wakefield holds Red Sox franchise records of 430 starts and 3,006 innings pitched. At his final victory on Sept. 13, 2011, Wakefield became the 89th pitcher in Major League Baseball to reach 200 career wins since 1900.
Correction: A previous version of this story stated that Wakefield passed away Saturday morning. Wakefield passed away on Sunday morning.
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