Tim Wakefield, a legend and the first person who comes to mind when you hear the word ‘knuckleball’, passed away at the age of 57 after battling brain cancer.
Multiple local media outlets, including ‘MLB.com’ and ‘ESPN’, reported on the 2nd (Korean time), “Tim Wakefield died at the age of 57 from brain cancer.” The news of Wakefield’s death was officially announced by the Boston Red Sox.카지노
Wakefield is a legend who dominated an era with his ‘knuckleball,’ and began his professional career after being selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the 200th overall pick in the 8th round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft. Wakefield stood out in his first season, 1992, by appearing in 13 games and recording 8 wins, 1 loss, and an ERA of 2.15. The following year, he recorded 6 wins, 11 losses, and an ERA of 5.61 before moving to Boston.
His performance in Boston was truly incredible. Wakefield appeared in 27 games in his first season after his transfer, went 195⅓ innings, and had a career-high season with 16 wins, 8 losses, and an ERA of 2.95, becoming an ‘ace’. And he continued his path to success, sweeping 14 wins in 1996, 12 wins in 1997, and a whopping 17 wins in 1998, exceeding 200 innings for three consecutive years, and achieving double-digit wins for four consecutive seasons.
Wakefield failed to achieve 10 wins for three consecutive years until 2001, including 6 wins, 11 losses, 15 saves, and an ERA of 5.08 while working as a starter and bullpen in 1999. However, he revived in 2002 with 11 wins, 5 losses, and an ERA of 2.81, and once again took a spot as a starter. In particular, Wakefield was active with 12 wins, 10 losses, and an ERA of 4.09 in 2004, when Boston lifted the World Series trophy, and 17 wins, 12 losses, and an average ERA of 4.76 in 2007, and was active until 2011.
Wakefield played in Pittsburgh and Boston for a total of 19 seasons, appearing in 627 games (463 starts), and left with a record of 200 wins, 180 losses, 12 holds, 22 saves, and an ERA of 4.41. He led the Boston team with 186 wins, 168 losses, and an ERA of 4.43 over 17 seasons. As he had an incredible career over a long period of time, ranking 3rd in all-time wins, he succeeded in being inducted into the Boston team’s Hall of Fame. But he passed away when he was only 57 years old.
The reason Wakefield ended his short life was because of his battle with brain cancer. The news of Wakefield’s battle with brain cancer became known through his former colleague Curt Schilling, and he ended his life only three days after the news broke. According to ‘MLB.com’, Wakefield’s sadness was doubled because he underwent surgery for brain cancer just a few weeks ago.
“We are very saddened to lose Wakefield, one of the most unique pitchers of his generation and a key figure in one of the most successful eras in Boston Red Sox history,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, according to MLB.com. “The knuckleball led to a standout performance as a rookie in Pittsburgh in 1992 and a memorable move to Boston in 1995. Wakefield was a dependable All-Star pitcher, a highly respected teammate and a two-time World Series winner,” Wakefield said. Field was remembered.
Manfred continued, “On behalf of Major League Baseball, we offer our deepest condolences to Wakefield’s family, his friends and teammates, and Boston fans around the world. We are hosting a Stand Up to Cancer event to honor Wakefield and all those battling brain cancer. “We will continue to support (Stand Up To Cancer),” he added.
“It’s rare that the extraordinary character of a two-time World Series champion shines even brighter than his illustrious career,” said Boston CEO Sam Kennedy. “I will miss my friend more than anything, and I will aspire to live as truthfully and honorably as Wakefield did,” he said.
On this day, the Boston team held a moment of silence before the game to commemorate the death of ‘legend’ Wakefield, and ended the final game of the season with a ‘victory’ by defeating the Baltimore Orioles 6-1.