Stacy Wakefield, the widow of late Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield, has died, the team announced Wednesday.
Tim passed away in October at the age of 57 after a short battle with brain cancer.
Stacy had reportedly been battling pancreatic cancer.
‘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,’ Stacy’s family said in a statement shared by the Red Sox. ‘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.
Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield and his widow Stacy have both died in a span of months
The team announced Stacy’s death with a statement from the Wakefield family posted to X
‘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.
‘We would like to thank all of Stacy’s doctors, nurses, and caretakers who helped her from diagnosis to today—we are eternally grateful for your unmatched care and support,’ her family said. ‘And to all of you who have sent well wishes over these last several months, we truly appreciate your kindness.’
The statement was posted to the Red Sox’ X account at 2:31pm ET, with many fans and well-wishers offering their condolences in the replies.
Pam Kenn, the team’s SVP of community/alumni/player relations, said, ‘The world is infinitely worse without Tim & Stacy Wakefield. To lose them both within 5 months feels incredibly unfair, especially to Trev & Bree. The only solace is that they are together, which is all they ever wanted to be. Thank you for everything, Wake and Stace. I love you.’
Tim 57, was a celebrated member of the 2004 Red Sox, who came back from a 3-0 deficit against the rival New York Yankees to win the American League Championship Series en route to the team’s first World Series title since 1918.
Stacy & Tim Wakefield are seen at the UNICEF Children’s Champion Award Dinner in 2016
Wakefield won two World Series titles with the Red Sox, in 2004 (pictured) and 2007
The knuckleballer played a key role in the postseason by volunteering to pitch in relief during a blowout loss to the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS, thereby saving the other pitchers’ arms for the historic comeback.
At the time of his death, Red Sox owner John W. Henry said, ‘Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball.
‘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.’
Wakefield’s cancer diagnosis was initially revealed by his former teammate Curt Schilling, with the fellow pitcher slammed for sharing the news.
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