Brianna Wakefield, 17, was on hand to accept the “Heroes Among Us” award that honored her late father’s contributions to the Boston community
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Brianna Wakefield and Tim Wakefield
Before winning the 2024 NBA Championship, the Boston Celtics made time to honor late Boston Red Sox player Tim Wakefield — and the moment was made even more special with an appearance from his daughter.
Wakefield’s daughter, Brianna Wakefield, 17, was on hand to accept the “Heroes Among Us” award that honored her late father’s contributions to the Boston community throughout his life, according to the Boston Herald. The Celtics give out the award every home game to “outstanding individual who made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities.”
The presentation specifically highlighted Wakefield’s work with the Jimmy Fund, which raises “millions of dollars towards cancer research,” and his 2010 win of the Roberto Clemente Award, the Boston Herald said.
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Tim Wakefield
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Tim died in October 2023 due to brain cancer, followed by his wife Stacy Wakefield five months later in February from pancreatic cancer.
Related: Tim Wakefield’s Boston Red Sox Teammates, MLB Mourn Knuckleball Pitcher After His Death at 57
The couple’s cancer diagnoses were made public by MLB pitcher Curt Schilling against their wishes last September.
A month later, the Red Sox announced Tim had died. “Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield,” the team wrote. “Wake embodied true goodness; a devoted husband, father and teammate, beloved broadcaster, and the ultimate community leader. He gave so much to the game and all of Red Sox Nation.”
Similarly, the team also announced Stacy’s death in a press release on behalf of the Wakefield family.
“It is with deep sadness that we share that our beloved mother, daughter, sister, niece, and aunt, Stacy, passed away today at her home in Massachusetts,” the Wakefield family said in a statement. “She was surrounded by her family and dear friends, as well as her wonderful caretakers and nurses. The loss is unimaginable, especially in the wake of losing Tim just under five months ago. Our hearts are beyond broken.”
Related: Tim Wakefield’s Widow Stacy Dies 5 Months After the Boston Red Sox Pitcher
In addition to daughter Brianna, the couple, who married in 2002, also have a son, Trevor Wakefield, 19.
The Celtics went on to win the game 106-88, and clinch their 18th NBA Championship.
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