Tim Wakefield Net Worth: A Life and Legacy in Baseball
January 1, 2025
Tim Wakefield, a renowned baseball pitcher, left an unforgettable mark on Major League Baseball (MLB) through his 19-year career. He was not only celebrated for his unique knuckleball pitch but also admired for his sportsmanship, community work, and lasting legacy with the Boston Red Sox. At the time of his passing in 2023, Tim Wakefield net worth was estimated to be $23 million, reflecting both his financial success and enduring influence on and off the field.
Career Overview and Achievements
Wakefield’s professional career began with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who drafted him as a first baseman in 1988. However, realizing his future lay elsewhere, he transitioned to pitching, where his knuckleball became a game-changer. After debuting in 1992, he had a brief stint with the Pirates before joining the Boston Red Sox in 1995.
With the Red Sox, Wakefield enjoyed immense success, becoming a fan favorite and a key figure in the team’s historic 2004 and 2007 World Series victories. Over his career, he accumulated 200 wins, becoming the franchise’s leader in innings pitched and securing the third-most wins in Red Sox history, with 186 victories. His versatility saw him switching between starting and relief roles, earning him several accolades, including the Roberto Clemente Award in 2010 for his philanthropic efforts.
Salary and Earnings
During his MLB career, Tim Wakefield’s total earnings exceeded $55 million in salary alone, as he played at a consistently high level for nearly two decades. This financial success, combined with various post-retirement ventures, helped him amass a personal net worth of $23 million. Beyond baseball, Wakefield remained active, working as a studio analyst for NESN and co-owning Turner’s Yard, a Massachusetts restaurant, alongside NHL player Shawn Thornton.
Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Timothy Stephen Wakefield |
| Date of Birth | August 2, 1966 |
| Place of Birth | Melbourne, Florida, USA |
| Date of Death | October 1, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 57 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| MLB Debut | July 31, 1992 (Pittsburgh Pirates) |
| Teams Played For | Pittsburgh Pirates (1992-1994), Boston Red Sox (1995-2011) |
| Position | Pitcher (Knuckleball specialist) |
| World Series Wins | 2 (2004, 2007) |
| Career Wins | 200 |
| Career Earnings | Over $55 million |
| Net Worth (2024) | $23 million |
| Post-Retirement Career | NESN analyst, restaurant co-owner |
| Awards | Roberto Clemente Award (2010) |
| Spouse | Stacy Stover (m. 2002) |
| Children | Trevor Wakefield, Brianna Grace Wakefield |
| Notable Achievements | 3rd-most wins in Red Sox history (186), All-time leader in innings pitched (3,006) |
| Cause of Death | Brain cancer |
Personal Life and Legacy
Wakefield’s financial achievements reflected not just his performance on the field but also his dedication to his community. Known for his humility, Wakefield became an evangelical Christian and was committed to philanthropy, which further endeared him to fans. He was married to Stacy Stover and had two children, Trevor and Brianna. Tragically, Wakefield passed away in October 2023 after a battle with brain cancer, leaving behind a legacy that transcended baseball.
His passing was a significant loss to the baseball community, as former teammates and fans commemorated his contributions to the game and his character off the field. The Boston Red Sox organization and sports enthusiasts alike continue to honor his memory.
Conclusion
Tim Wakefield net worth $23 million symbolizes a career built on perseverance, skill, and goodwill. From mastering the elusive knuckleball to winning World Series titles and making a difference in the community, Wakefield’s journey remains an inspiration. His financial success reflects a combination of talent, hard work, and the respect he garnered throughout his life, ensuring that his legacy will live on in the annals of baseball history and beyond. See More
FAQs
- What was Tim Wakefield’s net worth?
Tim Wakefield had an estimated net worth of $23 million as of 2024, accumulated through his baseball career, endorsements, and post-retirement ventures. - How long did Tim Wakefield play in MLB?
Wakefield spent 19 seasons in MLB, with most of his career (17 years) at the Boston Red Sox, becoming a fan favorite and franchise leader in several categories. - What made Tim Wakefield’s pitching unique?
His signature pitch was the knuckleball, a rarely used but unpredictable pitch that made him one of the most effective and unique pitchers in MLB history. - How many World Series titles did Wakefield win?
Wakefield won two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 and 2007, contributing to the team’s historic success. - What caused Tim Wakefield’s death?
Tim Wakefield passed away on October 1, 2023, after battling brain cancer, a loss deeply felt by the baseball community and his fans.