Tim Wakefield

An appreciation.

Tim Wakefield has passed, aged just 57, from brain cancer. Very few knew Wakefield was sick from cancer. Even fewer knew how sick he truly was.

There's a certain symmetry of Wakefield's passing being announced the same day that Terry Francona coaches his last MLB game. A baseball chapter has ended for many with these two great gentlemen no longer part of the game.

The sudden passing of Wakefield also brings to mind the sudden passing from cancer of Norm Macdonald. Even fewer people knew he was suffering from cancer. Makes one rethink Curt Schilling announcing to the world that Wake was sick from a brain tumor. Yes his call for prayers for Tim and his wife (suffering from pancreatic cancer) violated the Wakefield's rights to privacy - especially during this very difficult time - but without Curt Schilling hardly anyone would have been aware that Tim was sick in the first place. Maybe Schilling isn't the villain we all made him out to be. The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Tim Wakefield was more than his 200 total wins and his career 4.41 ERA would suggest. As brilliant he could be on the field with his knuckleball - he was even greater person as dozens of those who knew him would testify. A common theme to all the testimonials you may see in the next few days.

He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates where he was brilliant his rookie season going 8-1 with a 2.15 ERA until he wasn't - going 6-11 with a 5.61 ERA the next year. He was reborn in Boston where he won 186 of those 200 wins over the next 17 seasons. All Red Sox fans had the same question when Wakefield took the mound, "Will the knuckleball be working tonight?" We all watched and prayed and so many, many times we were rewarded.

Through it all Tim Wakefield remained the same guy. An optimistic gentleman. Loved by all.

We watched the 2003 ALCS and wondered why Pedro was being left in the game. We all cursed Aaron Boone's name when he hit the game winning homer. Wakefield thought for sure he was all done as there's no way Boston could forgive him for giving up such a big HR. Yet the very next Opening Day Tim received more cheers from the fans than any other player. Not only did we not hold Wakefield responsible, we loved Tim for he was worthy of love. 

Think it speaks volumes that after the 2004 World Series it was Wakefield that Johnny Damon sought out in victory. And Mike Timlin's words after the 2007 World Series should not be forgotten. Despite a 17-12 regular season record Wakefield was left off the World Series roster yet never complained. 

Tim Wakefield was one of those rare people for whom nobody has a negative thing to say. Just praise about no matter how great he was on the field he was even a better person off the field. We seem to be losing such people on a regular basis these days. If you are aware of such a person you should let them know how much you appreciate them for as the Wakefield's have shown us - they should never be taken for granted.

Tim Wakefield - there will never be another. RIP.