Mike Timlin to Honor Late Teammate Tim Wakefield at Pan-Mass Challenge
BOSTON (AP) — Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Mike Timlin is set to honor his late teammate Tim Wakefield by participating in this summer’s Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC), a prominent fundraising bike ride dedicated to cancer research and treatment. Wakefield, a beloved figure in baseball, succumbed to brain cancer in 2023, prompting Timlin and his wife to ride in his memory.
Wakefield’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the Red Sox, where he was a star pitcher and a two-time World Series champion. Known for his unique knuckleball technique, he ranks as the third-winningest pitcher in the team’s history. Beyond the field, Wakefield was celebrated for his philanthropic efforts, receiving baseball’s prestigious Roberto Clemente Award for his community engagement and serving as the first Jimmy Fund captain.
The PMC, founded in 1980 by Billy Starr after losing his mother to cancer, has raised over $1 billion for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This year, nearly 7,000 riders are expected to participate, aiming to raise $76 million. Timlin, inspired by Wakefield’s commitment to charity, expressed a desire to push towards a world where families are spared the heartache of cancer.
Reflecting on his participation, Timlin said, “We’ve all seen it. We’ve all been touched by it … it’s awful.” He hopes to emulate Wakefield’s example of leading by impact, stating, “You don’t want to see someone else’s family go through the tragedy.”
As Timlin prepares for the challenging ride across Massachusetts, he is reminded of the camaraderie experienced through such fundraising events, emphasizing community support as essential in the fight against cancer. "Just doing something as a community and getting to know new people is what it’s all about," he added.
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