Stacey Wakefield, the widow of late Major League Baseball player Tim Wakefield, has died, the Boston Red Sox have confirmed. He died in October 2023, five months after the pitcher’s death.
The team announced Stacey’s death in a press release on Wednesday on behalf of the Wakefield family.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved mother, daughter, sister, niece and aunt Stacey passed away today at her home in Massachusetts,” the Wakefield family said in a statement. And loving friends, as well as her wonderful caregivers and nurses. The loss is unimaginable, especially after losing Tim five months ago. Our hearts are deeply broken.”
The family added, “We will remember Stacey as a strong, loving, thoughtful and compassionate person who was as down to earth as they were. We feel so lucky to have her in our lives, and we are consoled by the fact that she will be reunited with the love of her life, Tim.
Both Stacey and Tim – whose famous “knuckleball” made him one of the most dominant Major League pitchers of the 2000s – were diagnosed with different forms of cancer, according to MLB pitcher Curt Schilling, who died last September. The couple’s diagnosis was revealed against their wishes. ,
Schilling, 56, said on his podcast that Tim — who was his teammate on the Red Sox from 2004 to 2007 — had been diagnosed with an “aggressive form of brain cancer” and that his wife has pancreatic cancer.
After Schilling shared the news without the couple’s permission, the Red Sox requested “privacy” on behalf of the Wakefields in a statement obtained by People at the time.
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“We are aware of the statements and inquiries regarding the health of Tim and Stacey Wakefield,” the team said. “Unfortunately, this information has been shared publicly without their permission. His health is a very personal matter that he wishes to keep private as he receives treatment and works to overcome this disease.”
The statement continued, “Tim and Stacey appreciate the support and love they have always been given and respectfully ask for privacy at this time.”
At the time of Tim’s death, MLB Said“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Wakefield, a 19-year Major Leaguer, two-time World Series champion, 2009 AL All-Star and 2010 Roberto Clemente Award winner.”
He added, “Tim had great qualities as a teammate, a competitor, and a caring person. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wakefield family and all those who knew and loved Tim.”
In their statement released through the Red Sox on Wednesday, the Wakefield family also thanked Stacey’s caregivers and asked for privacy.
The family said, “We would like to thank all of Stacey’s doctors, nurses and carers who have helped her from diagnosis to today – we are forever grateful for your unmatched care and support.” “And to all of you who have sent well wishes over the past several months, we really appreciate your kindness.”
He added, “We ask for privacy at this time as we try to cope with this profound loss.”
The couple first married in 2002 and had two children – Trevor, 19, and Brianna, 17 – together.