WATCH: Tim Wakefield Honored By Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame for Lifelong Contributions On and Off the Field
By Brian Dillon // May 31, 2025
WAKEFIELD'S profound legacy endures
WATCH: Known for his signature knuckleball and unwavering dedication to service, former MLB pitcher Tim Wakefield was remembered Saturday evening by the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame not just as a baseball icon but as a man whose life reflected purpose, humility, and generosity. Tim and Stacy Wakefield were the embodiment of love in action—genuine, generous, and deeply committed to their community. Sadly, Tim passed away in 2023 at the age of 57. Stacy followed him the next year. Yet their profound legacy endures.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Known for his signature knuckleball and unwavering dedication to service, Brevard native and former MLB pitcher Tim Wakefield was remembered Saturday evening by the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame not just as a baseball icon but as a man whose life reflected purpose, humility, and generosity.
Wakefield made national headlines in the early 1990s with the Pittsburgh Pirates, earning the title of Pitcher of the Year after securing two complete-game victories in the National League Championship Series against the Atlanta Braves, bringing the Pirates within reach of a World Series appearance.
But even during the heights of his early success, Wakefield understood there was more to life than baseball. He quickly used his rising fame to support longtime friend Betsy Farmer, who had founded the Space Coast Early Intervention Center, a preschool for children with special needs.
Thanks to Wakefield’s generosity and broad network of connections, he and his wife Stacy supported the organization—now known as Space Coast Discovery—for more than 25 years.
In 1993, Wakefield’s career faced a setback when he lost command of his signature pitch. He was sent down to the minors and eventually designated for assignment in 1994. What would have been a devastating blow to most players became a turning point for Wakefield.
Just six days later, he was signed by the Boston Red Sox and trained that offseason with legendary knuckleballer Phil Niekro.
In 1995, with Boston’s pitching staff plagued by injuries, Wakefield was called up from Triple-A in late May. He stunned fans and opponents alike, going 14-1 with a 1.65 ERA in his first 17 starts. He helped lead the Red Sox to an AL East division title and earned American League Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Wakefield quickly became a beloved figure in Boston, not just for his performance on the mound but also for his deep commitment to the community. He partnered with the Franciscan Hospital for Children and was active in organizations like “Pitching In for Kids” and “Touch ‘Em All.” In 2013, he was named honorary chairman of the Red Sox Foundation.
A devout Christian since 1990, Wakefield met the love of his life, Stacy, in Boston. The couple married in 2002 and had two children. Though they loved their adopted city, they returned to their cherished home on Florida’s Space Coast each year.
Wakefield retired from baseball in 2012, concluding a remarkable 19-year MLB career with 200 wins, third-most in Red Sox history, behind only Roger Clemens and Cy Young.
Throughout his career and life, Wakefield remained even-keeled and purpose-driven. He believed that those blessed with success had a duty to serve others. Whether comforting a parent of a child with special needs or sitting quietly with a child on his lap, his compassion was ever-present.
Tim and Stacy Wakefield were the embodiment of love in action—genuine, generous, and deeply committed to their community. Sadly, Tim passed away in 2023 at the age of 57. Stacy followed him the next year. Yet their profound legacy endures.
On Opening Day 2024, Fenway Park hosted a celebration marking the 20th anniversary of the Red Sox’s 2004 World Championship. The pregame ceremony was dedicated to the Wakefields. Their children, Brianna and Trevor, led the championship team onto the field. Brianna threw the ceremonial first pitch in a profoundly moving tribute.
The emotional gathering highlighted the many relationships Wakefield had built during his life. His teammates, friends, and fans remembered him not for his fame or statistics, but for his service, his relationships, and his love.
“Tonight, we offer Special Recognition to Tim Wakefield, a proud member of the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of 2012,” said Tom Palermo, president and publisher of Space Coast Daily. “We honor not just his accomplishments in baseball, but the remarkable life he lived beyond the game.”
