Tim Wakefield, whose knuckleball helped deliver two World Series championships for the Red Sox, died Sunday. He was 57.
Wakefield was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” said John Henry, the principal owner of the Red Sox, in a statement issued by the team. “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.