Tim Wakefield at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts on Aug. 19, 2017.Photo:Adam Glanzman/Getty
Adam Glanzman/Getty
The Boston Red Sox and the baseball world are mourningTim Wakefieldafter his death at 57 on Sunday.
As the Red Sox and many MLB teams wrapped their regular seasons on Sunday, many of Wakefield’s former teammates, among others, shared their memories of him. Red Sox assistant coach Jason Varitek, who played with Wakefield in Boston from 1997-2011, appeared emotional as he spoke to Wakefield’s legacy following the team’s game in Baltimore.
“It’s horrible,” Varitek, 51,told reporters. “Horrible for his wife [Stacy], [daughter Brianna], [son] Trevor, his family, his friends. I mean, [he was] a young man."
“I don’t know if I have to tell you anything, I think I’m showing it,” Varitek continued, when asked about Wakefield as a teammate and friend. “Wake - he exemplifies what this uniform is. It’s not just the name on the back, it’s the name on the front. It’s what he’s done in the community, the way he’s represented it, the way he’s respected the game, which goes on to the whole league of being - a precious part of what we do is respect for the game and for your place.
“He exemplifies what it means to be a Red Sock and what it means to be a professional. A wonderful dad, a great husband,” Varitek added. “He’d been through a lot.”
Tim Wakefield photographed on Sept. 25, 2011.Nick Laham/Getty
Nick Laham/Getty
Wakefield played the final 17 of his 19 Major League Baseball seasons with the Red Sox and won the World Series with the team in 2004 and 2007. News of his death came just days after the Red Sox acknowledged that the late pitcher’sbrain cancer diagnosiswas shared publicly without his family’s permission.
Legendary Red Sox designated hitterDavid Ortiz, who played with Wakefield from 2003-2011, shared a throwback photo of himself embracing Wakefield onInstagramSunday, writing in the caption: “I can’t describe what you mean to me and my family,my heart is broken right now because l will never be able to replace a brother and a friend like you…. Rest and peace my brother 🙏❤️”
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Pedro Martinez, who pitched in Boston from 1998-2004 and remains active within the organization,wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he had spent time with Wakefield just one week prior to his death.
“I don’t have words, we were together a week ago, and I was so looking forward to being here for you on this stretch 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I will miss you my teammate…my heart hurts,” Martinez wrote. “Carolina and I will always be here for your family 🙏”
“My heart is broken and I have no words,” Mike Lowell, a third baseman with the Red Sox from 2006-2010, alsoposted on X. “RIP Wake. You were one of the good ones and a great teammate. Red Sox Nation will forever be grateful. Thank you for your friendship.”
Kevin Millar, who played with Wakefield in Boston from 2003-2005,shared two undated videosto X of him and Wakefield singing Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” onstage at a concert.
“Sometimes Life doesn’t make sense #49 but I thank you for all and thank you for being an amazing teammate Husband and Father,” Millar, 52, wrote in aseparate post. “You will be missed my brother RIP Wakey ❤️🇺🇸🙏🏻 #04 Champ”
L-R: Pedro Martinez, Tim Wakefield, Curt Schilling and Derek Lowe celebrating the Boston Red Sox’s 2004 World Series win on Oct. 30, 2004.Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty
Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty
Famous Red Sox fans like comedian and late night television hostSeth Meyerseven offered thoughts on Wakefield’s death. “I loved the anticipation of a Tim Wakefield start. The feeling that if his knuckleball was dancing, batters would look foolish and if it wasn’t, Wake would look as human as the rest of us,” Meyers, 49, wrote onInstagram.
“What a gift that he pitched for the Red Sox. What a joy that he won 200 games. What a relief that he got the WS rings he deserved,” Meyers added. “I was lucky enough to cross paths with him a few times over the years and, unlike his knuckleball, you always knew what you were going to get - a kind and big-hearted man. RIP.”
source: people.com
