‘The ultimate community leader:’ Red Sox nation reacts to Tim Wakefield’s death

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The Boston Red Sox nation including former teammates of Tim Wakefield say they are heartbroken over the pitcher’s death at the age of 57.

The Red Sox announced Wakefield’s death on Sunday afternoon just days after concerns for his health were surfaced.

Wakefield was a member of two World Series-winning teams (2004, 2007) and named an All-Star in 2009.

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

In 2010, he won the Roberto Clemente Award, which he received for the dedicated work he and his family did serving the communities of New England.

“I can’t describe what you mean to me and my family,” David Ortiz, Wakefield’s teammate for nine seasons, wrote on Instagram. “My heart is broken right now because I will never be able to replace a brother and a friend like you. Rest in peace my brother.”

“My heart is broken and I have no words. RIP Wake,” Mike Lowell, the 2007 World Series MVP, wrote on social media. “You were one of the good ones and a great teammate. Red Sox Nation will forever be grateful. Thank you for your friendship.”

“He was what a Boston Red Sox should look like...Nobody wore his jersey with more pride than Tim Wakefield,” said former teammate and manager Alex Cora in an interview.


“Well, this is heartbreaking news,” Roger Clemens, a teammate of Wakefield’s for two seasons, wrote on social media. “A great person, great teammate and great golfing companion for many of our playing years. I told him many times playing alongside of him what a great competitor he is. Hugs to his family and extended family. Miss you pal.”

BOSTON - OCTOBER 23:  Pitcher Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning during game one of the World Series on October 23, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 23: Pitcher Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning during game one of the World Series on October 23, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
BOSTON - APRIL 25: Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox tips his cap tot he crowd during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 25, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON - APRIL 25: Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox tips his cap tot he crowd during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 25, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox's Tim Wakefield shakes hands with  the crowd in celebration after the Red Sox clinched a playoff spot in the American League after defeating the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, September 25, 2003.
Boston Red Sox's Tim Wakefield shakes hands with the crowd in celebration after the Red Sox clinched a playoff spot in the American League after defeating the Baltimore Orioles, Thursday, September 25, 2003.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield throws a knuckle ball against the Texas Rangers Sunday, July 11, 2004. The Rangers beat the Red Sox 6-5 at Fenway Park in Boston Massachusetts on July 11, 2004. (Photo by J Rogash/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield throws a knuckle ball against the Texas Rangers Sunday, July 11, 2004. The Rangers beat the Red Sox 6-5 at Fenway Park in Boston Massachusetts on July 11, 2004. (Photo by J Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON - MAY 1: Tim Wakefield #48 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during their game at Fenway Park on May 1, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 7-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
BOSTON - MAY 1: Tim Wakefield #48 of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during their game at Fenway Park on May 1, 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Red Sox defeated the Yankees 7-3. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 23:  Pitcher Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during game one of the World Series on October 23, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 23: Pitcher Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals during game one of the World Series on October 23, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 15:  Former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield runs out on to the field before the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 15, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Wakefield was honored in a pregame ceremony by the Boston Red Sox.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: Former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield runs out on to the field before the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 15, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Wakefield was honored in a pregame ceremony by the Boston Red Sox. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13:  Former Boston Red Sox players Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the home opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays  on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Former Boston Red Sox players Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the home opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON - JUNE 27: Josh Beckett #19 (L) and Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox have a laugh before playing the New York Mets on June 27, 2006 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
BOSTON - JUNE 27: Josh Beckett #19 (L) and Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox have a laugh before playing the New York Mets on June 27, 2006 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25:  Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees on September 25, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees on September 25, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13:  Former Boston Red Sox players Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the home opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays  on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 13: Former Boston Red Sox players Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the home opener between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays on April 13, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA  - JULY 24:  Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws a knuckleball against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on July 24, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 24: Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws a knuckleball against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on July 24, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 28:  Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox poses during photo day at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training practice facility on February 28, 2010 in Ft. Myers, Florida.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
FT. MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 28: Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox poses during photo day at the Boston Red Sox Spring Training practice facility on February 28, 2010 in Ft. Myers, Florida. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 5: Starting pitcher Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws against the Texas Rangers on July 5, 2005 at Ameriquest Field in Arlington in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 5: Starting pitcher Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws against the Texas Rangers on July 5, 2005 at Ameriquest Field in Arlington in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 15:  Former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield stands in the dugout before the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 15, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Wakefield was honored in a pregame ceremony by the Boston Red Sox.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: Former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield stands in the dugout before the game against the Seattle Mariners on May 15, 2012 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Wakefield was honored in a pregame ceremony by the Boston Red Sox. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 16:  Pitcher Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch against the New York Yankees after entering the game in the fourth inning during game three of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
BOSTON - OCTOBER 16: Pitcher Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch against the New York Yankees after entering the game in the fourth inning during game three of the American League Championship Series on October 16, 2004 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 13:  Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after earning his 200th win after a game with the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 13, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 13: Tim Wakefield #49 of the Boston Red Sox reacts after earning his 200th win after a game with the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 13, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FILE - Boston Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield works in the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta, June 27, 2009. Wakefield, the knuckleballing workhorse of the Red Sox pitching staff who bounced back after giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees in the 2003 playoffs to help 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, Oct. 1 2023, (AP Photo/John Bazemore file)
Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield retiring
Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield retiring
FILE - Boston Red Sox's Tim Wakefield tips his cap as he comes off the field in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners in Boston, July 24, 2011. Wakefield, the knuckleballing workhorse of the Red Sox pitching staff who bounced back after giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees in the 2003 playoffs to help 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, Oct. 1 2023, (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, file)
FILE - Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Tim Wakefield leaves the field after working against the Toronto Blue Jays in a Sept. 7, 2011 baseball game in Toronto. Wakefield, the knuckleballing workhorse of the Red Sox pitching staff who bounced back after giving up a season-ending home run to the Yankees in the 2003 playoffs to help 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, Oct. 1 2023, (Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press via AP, file)
Tim Wakefield
Tim Wakefield
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24:  Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers embraces former Red Sox players Tim Wakefield and Kevin Millar prior to Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 24: Dave Roberts #30 of the Los Angeles Dodgers embraces former Red Sox players Tim Wakefield and Kevin Millar prior to Game Two of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park on October 24, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Boston fans remembering the legacy of Wakefield after hearing the shocking news on Sunday.

“We just love Timmy. He is such a good man, and we were down on our way anyway. It felt nice that we were here when we heard the news,” said Katie Sandford, fan.

Katie Sandford placed flowers held together with a seashell bearing Tim Wakefield’s number on the Fenway Park ledge. She made sure they were between the Red Sox World Series banners 2004 and 2007.

“He was just one of my favorites. I loved his attitude, and what he could do with a knuckleball was amazing,” said Greg Sandford, fan.

Red Sox nation knew him for more than his knuckleball. Wakefield was dedicated to the Jimmy Fund and raising money for cancer research. He served as the inaugural Jimmy Fund Red Sox co-captain.

Wakefield was the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation and spent 29 years in the organization as a player, special assistant and broadcaster.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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