Wife Of Late Red Sox Star Dead 5 Months After Losing Husband

BOSTON, MA — Just six months after the death of Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, the family is mourning the loss of Tim's wife, Stacy, who died Wednesday, the family said in a statement shared through the Red Sox.

Stacy Wakefield, 53, had been battling cancer at the same time as her husband, who died in October after suffering a seizure following brain cancer surgery.

"It is with deep sadness that we share that our beloved mother, daughter, sister, niece, and aunt, Stacy, passed away today at her home in Massachusetts," the family's statement began. "She was surrounded by her family and dear friends, as well as her wonderful caretakers and nurses."

The statement continued: "The loss is unimaginable, especially in the wake of losing Tim just under five months ago. Our hearts are beyond broken ... We will remember Stacy as a strong, loving, thoughtful, and kind person, who was as down-to-earth as they come. We feel so lucky to have had her in our lives, and we take comfort in the fact that she will be reunited with Tim, the love of her life."

Stacy had been battling pancreatic cancer, according to Boston25.

In their statement, the family expressed gratitude to Stacy's doctors, nurses, and caretakers who "helped her from diagnosis to today."

"We are eternally grateful for your unmatched care and support," the family said. "And to all of you who have sent well wishes over these last several months, we truly appreciate your kindness. We kindly ask for privacy at this time as we try to process this profound loss."

Stacey and Tim Wakefield tied the knot in 2002 and stayed together until Tim's death in 2023. They share two children: Trevor Wakefield and Brianna Grace Wakefield.

Drafted by the Pirates as a first baseman who set home run records in college, Tim 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.

Wakefield has been hailed for bouncing 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.

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 Associated Press contributed to this story.