You hate to hear this…
For all of us who played little league baseball in the 2000s, I think I can speak for everybody that we tried to throw a knuckleball like legendary Boston Red Sox knuckleball pitcher, Tim Wakefield.
Wakefield was a huge inspiration to a ton of little leaguers across the country, and I don’t know a single kid who picked up a baseball back then that didn’t try to throw the ol’ Wakefield knuckleball.
With that being said, it hurts to announce that Wakefield has been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of brain cancer.
According to the Daily Mail, former Red Sox teammate Curt Schilling made the announcement on his podcast, The Curt Schilling Baseball Show:
The Red Sox released a statement today indicating that the news was unfortunately meant to be private, and Schilling did not have permission from the family to reveal the devastating news:
“We are aware of the statements and inquiries about the health of Tim and Stacy Wakefield. Unfortunately, this information has been shared publicly without their permission.
Their health is a deeply personal matter they intended to keep private as they navigate treatment and work to tackle this disease.
Tim and Stacy are appreciative of the support and love that has always been extended to them and respectfully ask for privacy at this time.”
Of course, we don’t know any more information than this, but our thoughts and prayers go to Wakefield and his family during this trying time.
Wakefield, a Melbourne, Florida native, started his MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates as a first baseman back in 1988, but began throwing knuckleballs in the minors and ultimately transitioned to pitcher in 1990.
The 57-year-old pitched for the Red Sox from 1995 to 2011, playing a huge role in their World Series wins in 2004 and 2007. He made his lone All-Star appearance in 2009.
Wakefield won 200 games, and 186 with the Red Sox, putting him third all time in Boston history in wins behind Cy Young and Roger Clemens.
