(Boston) Butterfly ball specialist Tim Wakefield died at the age of 57 on Sunday.
Published at 3:05 p.m. Updated at 3:52 p.m.
Jimmy Golen
Associated Press
The Boston Red Sox announced the death of the former pitcher 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 they did not elaborate on the situation, saying Wakefield had requested privacy.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as a college home run record-setting first baseman, Wakefield converted to pitching and became a master of the butterfly ball in the minor leagues.
Relying on this pitch, Wakefield won 200 games in the majors, including 186 with the Red Sox – which places 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 the 11th inning. He gave up a game-winning home run to Aaron Boone that ended the Red Sox season and extended their 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 victory in the 14th.
The Red Sox erased an 0-3 deficit in this series before sweeping 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 was going to come back or not,” Wakefield said when confirming his retirement in 2012. “But I’m very grateful to have been able to wear this uniform for so long and ‘having 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 record his 200th victory, at age 45, in September 2011. He announced his retirement during the following training camp.
In his career he boasted a 200-180 record and an earned run average of 4.41.
“Tim was more than a reliable and versatile star pitcher, a well-respected teammate and a two-time World Series champion,” commented Commissioner Rob Manfred, highlighting the work of Wakefield and his family for the communities of New England .
“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 its 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. »
2023-10-01 22:03:37
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