Kevin Youkilis Tributes Tim Wakefield on Red Sox Opening Day

As MLB Opening Day rears its head, Kevin Youkilis reads an open letter to honor the life and legacy of his former teammate Tim Wakefield.
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#mlb #redsox #timwakefield #riptimwakefield

[@stoneymcneal2458]

I am a life long Yankees fan, and I was deeply saddened at the loss of Tim Wakefield. He was a true class act and a credit to the game of baseball.

[@jamesgreensmith6469]

Jays fan here. This hit almost as hard as when Roy Halladay died. Beautiful tribute Youk

[@nickp6095]

Yankee fan… big time respect, Kevin. R.I.P. Tim and Stacy Wakefield. Sincere condolences🙏

[@pistol670]

Very well done, RIP Wake. - With respect from a Yankee fan. 🙏🏽

[@thegreatgumbino420]

Tim lived in the same town as my parents. One day in 2013, I went to the theater with my mom and noticed Tim standing in the lobby. I ran outside to get a baseball out of my backpack and asked him to sign it. I told him that as a Yankees fan, he was always a joy to watch pitch. He was extremely gracious and kind and signed my ball with a smile. RIP Tim and Stacy Wakefield

[@BradDion]

I'm not crying ... you're crying. 😭😢 Very well done Youk. This was beautifully read and delivered. RIP Wake and Stacy. You'll be forever missed down here.

[@heribertosarmiento1265]

too late friend 😭

[@cmp.fxb1]

I would NEVER have been able to read that without breaking down! Kudos to Youk for writing and reading it.❤😢😢😢

[@redchick5278]

This was beautiful!! RIP Wake and Stacy!! 🥺🥺🥺

[@matthewgallagher1761]

This man was beloved, beyond baseball, and so was his beautiful wife. He was ALWAYS a class act. Joe Torre said as much after the Red Sox came back to beat the Yankees, down 0-3, in the greatest playoff series in baseball history. I was so thankful I got to see him pitch at Fenway. So grateful that after giving up that crushing HR to Boone in the 2003 ALCS, he was able to stand on that very same Yankee Stadium mound he had left in tears and bask in the glory of the 2004 ALCS victory, which he played a vital part in. And then go on to win 2 WS titles. THEN be given baseball's greatest honor: the Roberto Clemente Award for his work OFF the field. What an amazing career. It's not fair. Which only makes me believe even more that the Wakefields are together in heaven and waiting for the rest of us.

As a die-hard Red Sox fan, I will always appreciate Wake's contributions and leadership inside and outside the diamond. That 2004 team will always be my favorite team of all time. It is with teary eyes that I say this, not many players have this impact, and not many players are so true to themselves, to their team, and the community. It is not always about the numbers, it is about the person, and Tim Wakefield will always be a Hall of Famer for me and to everyone that loves this team and loves the game. We will always remember you, We will always honor you.

[@bobrush5222]

Giants fan here but I knew about Tim Wakefield and knew he was special by the amount of love shown to him. I just learned about his wife passing, and I am so sorry for their family and the .Red Sox fans. We were all blessed by their presence in our time and space.

[@cha94]

Wow as a father I cannot imagine what their poor kids are going through. Losing both of your parents within months of each other. So sad.

[@LazlosPlane]

Yankees fan here. Watched Wakefield many times. When Boone hit that home run, I swear, my first reaction was to feel for Wakefield--he had pitched so well in that series and that game. RIP.

[@hunterfellman-greene3863]

From a Red Sox fan here, I can tell you one thing, Boone felt sad for Wakefield when he passed away and what he said about him touched me. RIP Wakefield… We will never forget you.

[@SergeMartins-ld8ve]

Diehard 49 yrs Sox fan w many Yankee fans as close friends after that homer to Boone they took me out I owned a restaurant in Florida they all felt for Wake too and all of them reassured me we'd win a ring the team was getting close and had to get there and we did the next year and they all watched that series in my place I'm emotional thinking about then Yankee fans true scholars of the game ty guys for the memories RIP 🙏 49

[@laff000]

Last week I opened up a box that's been in my attic for over 30 years. I had several items wrapped in newspaper. Much to my surprise one of those items was wrapped in the sports page from the Albany NY times union dated August of 1992. In it was an article about the Pittsburgh Pirates high hopes for their new up and coming knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. I'll add this little treasure to my Red Sox shrine.

[@jmmlpn286]

Thanks Youk. Tim was my favorite Red Sox player. His loss hit very hard to all of Red Sox Nation. Thanks for including Stacy in your lovely tribute.

[@johnsn10]

Met Wakefield a ton of times as a kid and he was always a great guy. Rip

[@jmac03191961]

So beautifully written and delivered by Youk. Wake was one of a kind. RIP to Wake and Stacey

[@bagoon1313]

RIP Wake. A legend of legends from a legendary club

[@kenshattuck550]

Been watching the Red Sox since I was a kid (1967), Wakefield was one of my all time favorites!!! Those early 2000’s teams were awesome!!!😊😊😊

[@stevenfanale4553]

He was the best player that the Boston Red Sox ever had!!!!!!

[@googoo-gjoob]

eeezy now.....

[@marcstevens8576]

I won't go as far as that, however, considering that nobody has worn Rocket Roger's #21 since he left, for whatever reason, NOW is the time to retire a full-scaled superstar, community-leader, youth inspiration, etcedra's number. Easy enough, He earned it.....

[@JENSATFAR]

Beautiful tribute, Kevin ❤

[@silntstl]

Long time Pirates fan. I was greatly stunned at the news of Tim Wakefield's passing. I missed seeing his MLB debut against the hated Cardinals but watched the highlights later and thinking who is this guy that just struck out ten Cardinals? RIP Tim, you were one of a kind.

[@TJJulkowski]

Respect. RIP wake. Well done Youk. What many people never get the joy of is how important some teammates are. Many players say the same thing when they retire. I will. It’s my teammates. Even more so when they are teammates like wake.

[@raingubb]

Rest In Peace Tim Wakefield #49

[@MrCrispycoyle]

Phillies fan here. Just want to show some respect for Wake. What a guy. Much love to Sox Naesh.

[@Bob-jv2st]

Tim was a huge positive inspiration in my life. I love tim wakefield

[@ChosenOne-jk6go]

It is true that the good go young.. RIP Wake and Stacey!! Know that your contributions to the Red Sox and your humanitarian efforts will not be forgotten! Great tribute by Youk, one of my all time favorite BoSox players!!

[@crichards1986]

RIP Tim and Stacy. My best wishes to the entire Wakefield family. ♥

[@kasper1944]

So well spoken! The Heavy will be greatly missed. Prayers for their kids

[@reeseseater12]

This was beautiful, I loved watching him pitch and this loss is heavy. RIP Wake

[@EMpsycho3]

R.I.P Wake. We will miss you.

[@bradlafferty6076]

Timmy Wake! A legend

[@lensuber919]

Rest in peace and thank you for the Memories🙏🙏

[@opinionmaximus]

Grew up a Pirates fan until ‘92 and then started rooting for the Sox. I remember when Wakefield came up with the Bucs, went 8-1 and then 2-0 in playoffs. I was wanting Leyland to pitch him in game 7 of the playoffs, no disrespect to Drabek but Wake was 🔥 that year. Then Wake went to Boston and I was CRUSHED like all of Red Sox nation in the 2003 playoffs when he gave up that homer. We ALL were crying with joy for Timmy in 2004 when Boston won. STILL can’t believe that his wife and him are gone. 😢 I feel so sorry for the kids. ❤#49

[@Ramfreak23]

We’ll be toasting to the Wakefield’s every year in Tahoe at the 17th Tee Box at Edgewood. RIP

[@markFinn1982]

Amen to youuuuk, for reading that beautiful piece r.i.p tim and stacey

[@jimmysiewert478]

Miss you Tim, Red Sox for life! Rest In Peace

[@GregoryGeorge-tz8oz]

I am a Pittsburgh pirates fan I remember the first season when Tim got called up he gave me the best season I ever had watched him almost lead the Pirates to the World Series was heart broken when he got released I followed him to the Redsox they became my 2nd favorite team I was so happy when he helped you guys break the curse Pittsburgh loss is Boston gain he will be missed

[@domdela5217]

Yankee fan here as well. What a wonderful tribute. I didn’t know his wife, Stacy, passed away in March. Condolences to their kids, family, and friends.

[@joebishop8383]

Well said Youk. He will be missed. What a hell of a ballplayer!

[@Akronkangaroo]

That playoff series vs the braves when he was with Pittsburgh is how i will remember him. They couldn't hit him at all in that series. RIP

[@BXNative2020]

❤❤❤ love from the Bronx.

[@willread8376]

Just now heard the news, RIP Mr Knuckle ball, love you

[@thekidnamedenis]

I’m a Yankee fan but this tribute is very touching towards a caliber player like Wakefield. I feel bad for his kids now that Stacy is with him 🙏🏼

[@kayhelberg676]

Beautiful…💔❤️‍🩹

[@markfx12]

I was lucky to watch him play. One never knew where that knuckler would end up: in the catcher's mitt or the outfield stands. Wake stood tall regardless.I am certain even God is amused watching the knuckleball move to its own drummer. Thanks for sharing a small slice of your life with me!

[@Richard-xb4zc]

Youk that was Beautiful.

[@peterrak9554]

Cried when I saw this live.. RIP and my condolences to the Wakefield family

[@WobblinGoblin1]

I liked all those Red Sox players from the '00s...but Wakefield and Veritek were my favorites. Rest in peace, Tim.

[@susanherbert3014]

Beautiful tribute Youk.

[@jameson44]

Great tribute Youk!!!!! Wake and your will be greatly missed.

[@billplate3125]

I have tears in my eyes Thanks

[@seeking70]

What a great representative of the Red Sox.

[@EvanHunt-hc4hl]

Beautiful

[@vermiciousknid6246]

A great player and, more importantly, a wonderful human being. Blessings to Tim and Stacy.

[@crazyconcertdude]

When Chris Sale was traded to Boston, I figured he would continue to wear #49 as he did in Chicago. In fact, he was offered #49, since it was technically available. Sale said #49 was, and always would be, Tim Wakefield’s number in Boston, and he would just take #41 instead. That speaks volumes of the respect guys have for Wake. Also, a very classy move on Sale’s part. I have only been to Fenway once in my life - June 19, 2010. Wake was the starter that day and my favorite player, Dustin Pedroia walked it off with a base hit in the bottom of the ninth. A beautiful day and memory, all the way around. RIP

[@JBM425]

“Wake” was an ideal “Heavy.” He reinvented his career in the minors, made a splash in The Show in Pittsburgh, flamed out, but put his career back together with the Red Sox. He appreciated what it meant to be a big leaguer because it didn’t come to him easily, and when he lost it he clawed back. RIP.

[@Littlebit1031]

Well done, Youk. Rest well, Wake.

[@d5rickOshay]

My favorite pitcher growing up as a child. Something was so calming seeing him up there on the mound. Probably how slow he threw it :') but my GOAT pitcher. Sounds like he was a great person.. RIP Wake. 🙏

[@charlesmiddleton3247]

Our brief time on this planet can be one of kindness, goodness, giving and caring! Please know that you all are worthy of greater things! Thank you Tim for your time here on Earth! You made a remarkable legacy for all to follow! Namaste. From a Vietnam Era Marine Corps veteran.

[@duaneaponte696]

What a fantastic tribute. R.I.P. Mr. & Mrs. Wakefield, and my condolences to their children on the loss of their parents.

[@Mike.Hunt.]

Kevin will always be my fav first baseman

[@bennettoberfeld614]

An Oriole fan here, I was at the Orioles' last regular season home game in 2023, against the Red Sox. News came down that morning of Wakefield's passing, and the Orioles did a moment of silence, as well as a scoreboard tribute, to Wake that game, not just for the Red Sox fans there that game, but for all of baseball, because he was loved by all.

[@billd11]

Life is certainly not fair when respected, classy, honorable people like Tim Wakefield are taken. 🙏

[@lynskyrd]

Well done. Thanks Youk. I wish I had the honor of knowing Tim & Stacy personally. RIP to both.

[@paulhubbard1747]

Didn't even know he passed this video was the best way to find out.im super fucking emotional rn.

[@maxscameraguy]

One of the best there was

[@brianoswald6069]

This was a fantastic tribute. I love this guy and for the heart he had for the game and for his team. He will be missed.

[@jakestetson8849]

RIP Wake and Stacey!! Thank you Kevin for this 😢🙌🙌

[@seangardner3905]

What a great man and athlete. Loved in the Burgh!

[@mattingly234ever]

thanks for making this Yankee fan cry. RIP Wake and Stacy

[@mondonproductions4088]

Youk well said, thanks to whoever posted

[@gilbertdubay6297]

Tim was a huge part of the Sox winning the World Series in 04! He was also a huge influence in Boston and New England! People like Tim only come once in a lifetime!!

[@NeoNitty]

I think for me, it hurt to see him pass because, I just remember seeing him on the Sox, all those years, before they finally got over the hump. He was there and had been there for years prior. So if it was anyone who deserved that first chip for Boston after all those years, it’d definitely be him.

[@paulbaratta1566]

He was what we saw as a true man, who happened to play baseball very well. RIP to him and his wife.

[@user-dt8vy2yb3d]

Remembering Tim Wakefield (#49). My condolences to the Red Sox Nation for the 2024 Baseball ⚾ Season!!!

[@benzaretsky27]

beautiful. thank you for sharing!

[@stevenzack1497]

Tears and respect to Wake, Stacy, and to Youk for his emotional memorial to his late friends.

[@Nicholas___....]

BEAUTIFUL, THANK YOU

[@derickcarlin4617]

Great job absolutely beut mate !

[@rosiedebevc1952]

Rest in Peace Tim and Stacy Wakefield

[@chrismcgurty3381]

Awesome tribute Youk!!

[@jenks2841]

Class act

[@donhathaway3234]

The world lost 2 people but, Heaven got 2 angels.

[@mitchweiner]

Very nice speech,KY!

[@EMpsycho3]

I want the Sox to retire #49 for wake. Absolute legend

[@redsoxfan26401]

I just made this same comment.

[@jimsidlauskas]

RIP MR AND MRS WAKE

[@ZachAdams926]

Wake was more of a Sox than manny every was

[@barrylyon270]

So sad great person!!

[@greysonG10]

Still can't believe he died.

[@blackjesus804]

Loved Wake and the old days. Miss the great Sox since I checked out when Henry had Chaim Poop ruin the team.

[@IamGenoBlack]

You see my team icon. I am tipping my cap. R.I.P.

[@wrldchamps04]

😢 well done Youk....

[@heribertosarmiento1265]

F*Ck Cancer in all its awful forms. Long live Tim Wakefield and everyone affected by cancer. #49 will always be our beloved Wake. 😭😭😭😭

[@markFinn1982]

Amen about cancer:(( grrr

[@Landis_Grant]

Tim “I made Aaron Boone famous” Wakefield.

[@MrSouthofBoston]

I have no idea what this salty discharge is coming from my eyes!

[@DrRussPhd]

If other professional athletes could emulate Wake our sports would be much better off.He didn't show up others, he didn't walk around on the field wearing a ton of gaudy bling, and he didn't act like a crybaby when something went wrong. He was a man.

[@paulcharest573]

Great job youk 11111

[@patrickmoore6407]

😢

[@misawajason]

If there isn't a ceremony at Fenway during the first home game, I'm done.

[@scimbrelo]

Gone way too soon