Red Sox Legend Tim Wakefield Dies At 57

BOSTON — Tim Wakefield, the knuckleballing Red Sox pitcher who bounced back after giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees in the 2003 playoffs by helping Boston win its curse-busting World Series title the following year, has died. He was 57.

The Red Sox announced his death in a statement Sunday.

“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” Red Sox owner John Henry said.

“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. He had a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and his loss is felt deeply by all of us.”

Wakefield had brain cancer, according to ex-teammate Curt Schilling, who outed the illness on a podcast last week — drawing an outpouring of support for Wakefield. The Red Sox confirmed an illness at the time but did not elaborate, saying Wakefield had requested privacy.

Drafted by the Pirates as a first baseman who set home run records in college, Wakefield converted to a pitcher after mastering the knuckleball in the minor leagues. Relying on the old-timey pitch that had largely fallen into disuse, he went on to win 200 major league games, including 186 with the Red Sox — behind only Cy Young and Roger Clemens in franchise history.

Clemens took to social media Sunday to honor Wakefield's memory.

"Well … this is heartbreaking news," wrote the legendary Red Sox pitcher. "A great person, great teammate, and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing along side of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal."

It was Wakefield's role in the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry of the early 2000s that turned him into a fan favorite whose impact went far beyond his numbers.

After New York rallied to tie Game 7 of the ’03 AL Championship Series, Wakefield came on in relief in the 11th inning and Aaron Boone hit his first pitch for a walkoff home run to end Boston’s season and extend a World Series drought that stretched back to 1918.

The following October, with the Red Sox season again at risk against the Yankees in the ALCS, Wakefield got nine outs in extra innings of Game 5, setting up David Ortiz to win it in the 14th. The Red Sox went on to complete their comeback from a three-games-to-none deficit and then sweep St. Louis in the World Series to claim their first championship in 86 years.

The Red Sox, and Wakefield, won it all again in 2007.

"He was a great competitor when he took that mound, he was just a great teammate and just a great friend," an emotional Kevin Youkilis, who played on the 2004 World Series-winning team with Wakefield, told the New England Sports Network.

"I had the luxury to play with him on the field, in the booth, and just glad that I had the opportunity over the years to be alongside him. And just an amazing husband, a father and a community leader. He really enjoyed people, he really enjoyed being around people, and today we lost one of the good ones."

Mike Lowell, who was on the 2007 World Series champion team, mourned Wakefield in a social media post.

"My heart is broken and I have no words," he wrote. "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."

Wakefield was 11-3 when he made his only All-Star Game in 2009, becoming the second-oldest player — to Satchel Paige — ever selected to his first All-Star Game. Wakefield was the oldest player in baseball at 45 when he earned his 200th win in September 2011, retiring his final six batters.

He announced his retirement the following spring training, seven wins short of breaking the franchise record for wins held by Clemens and Young.

“I’m still a competitor, but ultimately I think this is what’s best for the Red Sox,” he said at the time. “I think this is what’s best for my family. And to be honest with you, seven wins isn’t going to make me a different person or a better man. So, my family really needs me at home.”

In all, he was 200-180 with a 4.41 ERA.

Wakefield was also an eight-time nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which goes to a ballplayer for exemplary sportsmanship and community involvement, winning it in 2010. After retiring, he became an analyst for Red Sox broadcasts and remained active in the team’s charities.

"Tim Wakefield was someone I grew up watching as a Sox fan," NESN host Adam Pellerin said in a social media post. "Then we became co-workers and friends. When I ran the Boston Marathon in April for Dana Farber, Tim donated $1,000. The largest donation I received. Just one of countless examples of his kindness. I’m going to miss him."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.