Winter 2023 Newsletter
“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”
Tim Wakefield passed away on October 1st , 2023. He died in his home in Massachusetts of a seizure resulting from brain cancer. He was 57 years old.
Known for his dizzying knuckleball, Tim pitched for 19 seasons- mostly with the Boston Red Sox- retiring at the age of 45 after the 2011 season with 200 career wins. He was a vital part of the Red Sox 2004 and 2007 World Series Championship teams. He was elected to the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2016.
Off the field, Tim was nominated eight times by the Red Sox for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, presented to the player who best reflects the spirit of giving back to the community, winning the award in 2015.
Shortly after his death, his wife Stacy came upon some notes that Tim had written down before his sudden death.
“Never forget where you came from.
Be a mentor to others.
You didn’t get to where you are today by yourself and no matter what status you accomplish in life, you should assume the responsibility to help those who are less fortunate than you.
I’ve been involved with different charities my whole career and I can tell you that I’ve received much more than I have given.
I’ve also learned that it doesn’t matter how much money you’ve made, how big your house is or what kind of car you drive. What matters most is: did you make a difference in someone else’s life?”
- Tim Wakefield
After learning of Tim’s passing, Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner said in a statement, “It’s one thing to be an outstanding athlete. It’s another to be an extraordinary human being. Tim was both. I know the world was made better because he was in it.”
Tim Wakefield earned over $55 Million dollars over his playing career. Yet he has the same Dash as everyone else. Everyone has the same Dash- no matter your fame, income, popularity, religion or race. Dashes don’t discriminate. It is up to each person to decide how to use their Dash.
Tim Wakefield only had 57 years to complete his Dash. But there can be no arguing that he lived his best Dash life.
Tim Wakefield is survived by his wife Stacy and their two children. Stacy is battling pancreatic cancer.
In order to help us with our mission, please visit https://www.justonedash.org/get-involved