Tim Wakefield was a prominent American professional baseball player known for his expertise in knuckle ball pitching. He had an impressive career spanning 19 seasons in Major League Baseball.
Bio/Wiki
Age- 57 years
Height- 1.88 m
Weight- 95 kg
Full name-Timothy Stephen Wakefield
Born- 2 August 1966
Birthplace-Melbourne, Florida, United States
Died: 1 October 2023
Spouse-Stacy Stover (m. 2002)
Profession-American baseball pitcher
Nationality- American
Date joined: 1995 (Boston Red Sox)
Family
Wakefield was born in Melbourne, Florida, on August 2, 1966. His father’s name is Steve Wakefield, but details about his mother’s identity remain undisclosed. Despite Tim’s fame, specific information about his family background is limited.
Wife and Children
Tim Wakefield met his wife, Stacy Stover, in Massachusetts, and they tied the knot on November 9, 2002. Together, they had two children, Trevor (born in 2004) and Brianna (born in 2005). The family resided in Satellite Beach, Florida.
Education
Tim Wakefield attended Eau Gallie High School before moving on to the Florida Institute of Technology, where he played college baseball for the Florida Tech Panthers.
Career
Early Career
During his years at Florida Tech, Wakefield stood out as the Panthers’ team Most Valuable Player, playing as a first baseman in both his sophomore and junior years. He not only established a single-season record with 22 home runs but also set a remarkable career home run record of 40 for the Panthers. As a testament to his achievements, the college retired his uniform number, No. 3, in 2006.
Professional Career
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1988, Tim Wakefield started his professional baseball career as a first baseman. However, after being advised that he wouldn’t progress beyond Double-A ball with his current skills, he decided to develop the knuckleball, a pitch that would later define his career. In 1989, Wakefield made his pitching debut with the Single-A Salem Buccaneers and quickly transitioned to a full-time pitcher in 1990.
In 1992, Wakefield’s exceptional performance in Triple-A earned him a spot in the major leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He made a remarkable debut, winning the National League Rookie Pitcher of the Year Award. His standout performances continued, notably during the National League Championship Series, where he outshone Braves star Tom Glavine in two key games.
However, Wakefield’s journey with the Pirates faced challenges. He lost his spot in the starting rotation in 1993, and in 1994, he spent most of the season in Triple-A Buffalo. Although he was recalled to the Pirates in September, the players’ strike prevented him from playing.
In 1995, the Boston Red Sox signed Wakefield just six days after his release from the Pirates. His career took a significant turn in Boston. He became a reliable starter, helping the Red Sox win the AL East division title in 1995. Over the next few years, Wakefield showcased his versatility, transitioning between roles as a starter and reliever based on the team’s needs.
Wakefield’s pivotal moment came in the 2003 ALCS against the New York Yankees, where he played a crucial role for the Red Sox. In the historic 2004 season, he played vital roles in both the ALCS against the Yankees and the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, securing the Red Sox’s first World Series title in 86 years.
Throughout his years with the Red Sox, Wakefield demonstrated resilience and adaptability. He continued to contribute to the team’s successes, leading in various statistical categories and earning accolades such as the Sporting News American League Comeback Player of the Year.
In 2012, Wakefield retired, leaving a lasting legacy in the Red Sox’s history. He ranked high in several pitching records for the team, cementing his place as one of the franchise’s greats.
Achievement/Awards
- Two-time World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox: Tim Wakefield was a key player in the Red Sox’s historic World Series victories in 2004 and 2007, contributing significantly to the team’s success on the field.
- 2009 All-Star Selection: Wakefield’s exceptional performance earned him a spot in the 2009 All-Star game, a testament to his skills and contributions as a player.
- American League’s Comeback Player of the Year (1995): In his first season with the Red Sox, Wakefield was honored with the American League’s Comeback Player of the Year award, recognizing his outstanding comeback performance in Major League Baseball. This marked the beginning of his remarkable 17-season journey with the Red Sox.
Net Worth 2023
Tim Wakefield’s net worth was estimated to be $23 million.
Cause of Death
Tim Wakefield, the resilient knuckle ball pitcher known for his contributions to the Boston Red Sox’s historic World Series win in 2004, has passed away at the age of 57. The Red Sox confirmed his death after revealing he was battling brain cancer, a condition disclosed by former teammate Curt Schilling on a podcast, despite Wakefield’s wish for privacy.
“It’s one thing to be an outstanding athlete; it’s another to be an extraordinary human being. Tim was both,” Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said in the team’s statement. “I know the world was made better because he was in it.”
Said Red Sox manager and ex-teammate Alex Cora on Sunday: “We lost a brother, a teammate, a family member. One of the best teammates I ever had. … Of all the guys I played with, nobody wore his jersey with more pride than Tim Wakefield.”
