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Former Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox Pitcher Tim Wakefield Dies After Battle with Cancer

Tim Wakefield has passed away at the age of 57.

Former Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield has died at the age of 57 after a battle with cancer.

The Red Sox released a statement on social media:

Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield. 

Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father, and teammate, beloved broadcaster, and the ultimate community leader. He gave so much to the game and all of Red Sox Nation. 

Our deepest love and thoughts are with Stacy, Trevor, Brianna, and the Wakefield family.

It wasn't even known until recently that Wakefield was sick, but former teammate Curt Schilling recently revealed it on his podcast, without the family's permission.

A cultural icon because of his ability to throw the knuckleball, Wakefield spent 19 years in the big leagues. He played for the Pirates in 1992 and 1993 and then spent 1995-2011 with the Red Sox.

He won exactly 200 games in his career, going 200-180. He pitched as both a starter and a reliever, starting 463 games in his career. He also saved 22.

He had a lifetime 4.41 ERA and threw more than 3,220 innings. He won the World Series in 2004 and 2007 with the Red Sox and pitched in 11 different playoff series. He is a member of the Red Sox Hall of Fame.

He had also served as a Red Sox broadcaster on television with NESN once his playing days concluded.

The Red Sox wrap up their regular season on Sunday afternoon on the road at the Baltimore Orioles.

First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m. ET.

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