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Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling has turned down an invitation to participate in the franchise’s home opener that will honor its 2004 World Series-winning team and the late Tom and Stacy Wakefield, according to a report. 

The Red Sox invited all members of the 2004 championship team for their game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on April 9. 

However, Schilling, who famously bested the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS, declined the invite to attend the game intended to honor Wakefield, according to the Boston Globe. 

Wakefield died in October 2023 at the age of 57 before his wife Stacey passed away just months later in February 2024. 

Schilling, 57, a pitcher-turn-commentator was criticized last year for prematurely revealing that Wakefield had been diagnosed with brain cancer against his former teammate’s wishes. 

Curt Schilling

Tim and Stacy Wakefield

Curt Schilling (left) has turned down an invite to attend the Red Sox season opener to honor the late Tim and Stacy Wakefield (right) and the 2004 championship team 

In September last year, Schilling told listeners that he wasn’t sure if Wakefield wanted the public to know, before divulging the information anyway. 

‘This is not a message that Tim has asked anyone to share, and I don’t even know if he wants it shared,’ Schilling said on his podcast, The Curt Schilling Baseball Show. 

‘Recently, Tim was diagnosed with a very serious, very aggressive form of brain cancer.’ 

He also revealed prematurely that Stacey had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The couple have left behind two teenage children. 

The Red Sox released a statement stating that the information was not intended to be made public and that the Wakefields ‘respectfully ask for privacy at this time.’

Schilling has now decided to stay away from Fenway Park for the season opener with both Tim and Stacy set to be honored.  

Tim and Schilling were celebrated members of the 2004 Red Sox, who came back from a 3-0 deficit against the rival New York Yankees to win the American League Championship Series en route to the team’s first World Series title since 1918. 

At the time, Schilling’s decision to reveal the diagnosis drew criticism, but it was hardly a new experience for the outspoken conservative. 

The Alaska native has ostracized himself in retirement by directing hateful remarks toward Muslims, transgender people, journalists and others. 

He’s also blamed his failure to gain induction into the Hall of Fame on liberal BBWAA members, telling sports radio host Clay Travis that ‘the hatred for President Trump and conservatives runs deep.’

Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield (left) and his widow Stacy (center) both died in a span of months

Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield (left) and his widow Stacy (center) both died in a span of months

Former pitcher Schilling prematurely revealed the Wakefields' cancer diagnoses

Former pitcher Schilling prematurely revealed the Wakefields’ cancer diagnoses  

Schilling’s insistence that he’s the victim of the BBWAA’s supposed liberal bias is contradicted by the 2019 induction Mariano Rivera.

The former New York Yankees closer worked in the Trump administration as the co-chair the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition before becoming the first player to be unanimously selected to the Hall of Fame. Later, after his Hall of Fame selection, Trump honored Rivera with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Wakefield, a knuckleballer, played a key role in the postseason by volunteering to pitch in relief during a blowout loss to the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS, thereby saving the other pitchers’ arms for the historic comeback.

At the time of his death, Red Sox owner John W. Henry said, ‘Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball.

‘He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit.

‘He had a remarkable ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others in a way that showed us the true definition of greatness. He embodied the very best of what it means to be a member of the Boston Red Sox and his loss is felt deeply by all of us.’

Wakefield was drafted as a first baseman by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1988, but after struggling to develop, decided to learn to throw a knuckleball in hopes of becoming a pitcher.

The ploy worked, and by 1992, Wakefield was frustrating National League hitters with his fluttering knuckler – a pitch that never broke 70mph, but somehow managed to evade bats and often catchers’ gloves as well.

Wakefield won two World Series titles with the Red Sox, in 2004 (pictured) and 2007

Wakefield won two World Series titles with the Red Sox, in 2004 (pictured) and 2007

Wakefield played a key role in the postseason by volunteering to pitch in relief during a blowout loss to the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS

Tim Wakefield tips his cap to the Fenway crowd

Wakefield played a key role in the postseason by volunteering to pitch in relief during a blowout loss to the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS  

The Pirates reached the playoffs with Wakefield in 1992, but he began struggling soon after and ultimately found himself back in the minors by the mid-1990s.

However, upon arriving in Boston in 1995, Wakefield turned the corner and established himself as one of the game’s most reliable back-end starters for the better part of the 2000s.

He would earn his first All-Star nod in 2009 before retiring after the 2011 season at 44.

Since calling it quits, Wakefield has been active in charities, including the Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, as well as broadcasting and a number of endorsements. 

A two-time World Series champion, Wakefield was also the recipient of the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award for his charitable work.

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This post first appeared on Daily mail

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