Curt Schilling declined an invitation to attend the Red Sox’ home opener celebration honoring the 2004 championship team and the late Tim and Stacey Wakefield. According to the Boston Globe.
The Red Sox have invited all members of the 2004 World Series championship team to their April 9 game against the Orioles, but Schilling has baggage, especially with Wakefield.
Tim passed away in October 2023 at the age of 57, and Stacey passed away in February 2024.
Schilling, who famously defeated the Yankees in Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS, prematurely revealed that Wakefield had been diagnosed with a brain tumor and that his wife, Stacey, had pancreatic cancer.
He said he didn’t know if Wakefield wanted to share the information, but said it leaked it last September.
“Tim Wakefield is ill. …Recently, Tim was diagnosed with a very serious and aggressive brain tumor. …The situation in Tim’s case was incredibly serious and he went to the hospital and underwent surgery. “We received a lot of support,” Schilling said.
The Red Sox later said the information was not for the public.
“We are aware of the statements and inquiries regarding the health status of Tim Wakefield and Stacey Wakefield,” Boston said in a September 2023 statement.
“Unfortunately, this information has been released without their permission. Their health is a very personal matter and they wanted to keep it private as they proceed with their treatment and work through this disease. Tim and Stacey We appreciate the continued support and love shown to them and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”
The Boston Globe reported that those close to the organization and Wakefield were extremely upset by Schilling’s actions.
“To say Sox officials and those around Tim and Stacey are furious is an understatement,” Globe reporter Pete Abraham tweeted in September.
“Dammit, Curt Schilling, that wasn’t your place!” Katherine Varitek, wife of former Red Sox catcher and current staffer Jason Varitek, posted on X.
boston wears Patch No. 49 celebrates knuckleballers throughout the season.
Schilling played for the Red Sox from 2004 to 2007, helping the Red Sox end an 86-year championship drought during the 2004 season.
After his retirement, he was embroiled in controversy and was not inducted into the Hall of Fame.
