The renowned Boston Red Sox icon, Tim Wakefield, and his wife are appealing for “privacy” following an unauthorized disclosure of their cancer diagnoses by former MLB pitcher Curt Schilling on his podcast.
“We are aware of the statements and inquiries about the health of Tim and Stacy Wakefield,” the Red Sox said in a statement on behalf of the Wakefields.
“Unfortunately, this information has been shared publicly without their permission. Their health is a deeply personal matter they intended to keep private as they navigate treatment and work to tackle this disease.”
The statement continued, “Tim and Stacy are appreciative of the support and love that has always been extended to them and respectfully ask for privacy at this time.”
During Tuesday’s episode of The Curt Schilling Baseball Show podcast, the 56-year-old Schilling disclosed that Tim, his former teammate on the Red Sox from 2004-2007, has received a diagnosis of an “aggressive form of brain cancer,” while Stacy has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“Tim Wakefield, you remember Tim Wakefield, the knuckleballer, is sick,” Schilling said of the 57-year-old retired athlete. “And I talked with [former Red Sox pitcher] Doug Mirabelli yesterday, and this is not a message that Tim has asked anyone to share, and I don’t even know if he wants it shared, but as a Christian and as a man of faith I’ve seen prayer work and so I’m going to talk about it.”
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He continued: “Recently Tim was diagnosed with a very serious, very aggressive form of brain cancer.”
Schilling also revealed that Stacy is battling cancer.
“Tim’s wife Stacy is one of the sweetest women you’ll ever meet, is very sick with pancreatic cancer and my wife has talked with her and they’re communicating and they’re going through an incredibly difficult time with Stacy, and I wanted them to know that we’re obviously all thinking of them and praying for her.”
Soon after Schilling’s revelation became public, it provoked strong negative reactions on social media.
“F— you Curt Schilling, that wasn’t your place!” Catherine Varitek, the wife of former Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), while sports blogger Robbie Johnson wrote: “Pulling for Tim Wakefield and loathing Curt Schilling all at once.”
Wakefield, a celebrated All-Star knuckleballer, achieved World Series victory twice during his impressive 17-season tenure with the Red Sox.
He chose to retire in 2012, less than a year after securing his 200th career win, accomplishing this milestone at the age of 45.
