Red Sox Nation lost a beloved member of its family on Sunday.
Longtime Boston Red Sox pitcher and broadcaster Tim Wakefield passed away at the age of 57, the team announced. The two-time World Series champion spent 29 total years on the field and in the booth for Boston and was the honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
Wakefield's death comes less than a week after ex-teammate Curt Schilling revealed -- without permission -- on a podcast that Wakefield had brain cancer. The Red Sox later confirmed an illness but did not elaborate, saying Wakefield had requested privacy.
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The news of Wakefield's passing prompted countless tributes from his fans, former teammates and colleagues, and others across social media. We gathered some of the most notable tributes to the great knuckleballer below:
The Red Sox released their official statement on Wakefield's death.
The Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and New England Revolution showed their support with statements of their own.
Major League Baseball's statement recounted Wakefield's many accolades over the course of his 19-year career.
Wakefield began his MLB career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who paid tribute with a heartfelt post of their own.
Former Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis delivered an emotional statement on his former teammate during Sunday's NESN broadcast:
"He was a great competitor when he took that mound; he was a great teammate and a great friend," Youkilis said. "I had the luxury to play with him on the field, in the booth, and just glad I had the opportunity over the years to be alongside him.
"Just an amazing husband, father and community leader. He really enjoyed people, he really enjoyed being around people, and today we lost one of the good ones."
Red Sox radio voice Lou Merloni, another ex-teammate of Wakefield's, shared a statement of his own during the WEEI broadcast:
"It's surprising, shocking. He was doing well after surgery, and to get that news today was hard. He was obviously a friend, teammate, the ultimate teammate. ...
"He was (an unselfish player). Whether it was a starting role, a closing role, whatever it may be. Whatever role you needed him on. You mentioned the things he did off the field when his career was over. The Jimmy Fund, it was constant throughout his playing days and after his playing days, the Red Sox Foundation.
"He was just a good human being. I've run into so many people who have told me stories behind the scenes that he had done for them, for their families that nobody knows about. It's not in the papers. He would do anything for you."
Wakefield's longtime teammate and former catcher, Red Sox game planning coordinator Jason Varitek, teared up when asked about Wakefield after the game:
"Wake exemplifies what this uniform is. It's not just the name on the back, it's the name on the front,' Varitek said. "It's what he's done in the community, the way he's represented it, the way he's respected the game ... He exemplifies what it means to be a Red Sox."
Red Sox legend David Ortiz shared his tribute to Wakefield in a heartfelt Instagram post:
"I can’t describe what you mean to me and my family, my heart is broken right now because l will never be able to replace a brother and a friend like you…. Rest and peace my brother."
Fellow 2004 World Series champions Johnny Damon and Kevin Millar shared photos and videos of themselves with Wakefield.
Mike Lowell and Jonathan Papelbon, who were World Series champions alongside Wakefield in 2007, shared their
reactions to the saddening news. Former Red Sox outfielder Fred Lynn and pitcher Roger Clemens also reacted with thoughtful messages on X.
A number of media figures who covered Wakefield during his career took to social media with tributes.
Don Orsillo, the Red Sox' play-by-play broadcaster for much of Wakefield's career, wrote he is "completely crushed" by the news of Wakefield's death.
Former Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks, who worked with Wakefield at NESN, shared a heartbroken reaction to the news along with his wife, former NESN sideline reporter Jenny Dell.
Wakefield was known for his work in the Boston community, particularly with children in hospitals. Franciscan Children's shared a message about his impact.
Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, current Mass. Governor Maura Healy, current Mass. Mayor Michelle Wu, and the Boston Police Department shared heartfelt messages.
The Red Sox and Orioles honored Wakefield with a moment of silence before Sunday's game at Camden Yards.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora dedicated the team's Sunday win over the Orioles to Wakefield.
