Tim Wakefield departed with some sage advice.
The Red Sox legend died earlier this month, at just 57 years old, after suffering from brain cancer.
Wakefield’s wife, Stacy, shared a note through the X account of Bruins legend Bobby Orr that her husband had written before his passing.
“Never forget where you came from,” the note said.
“Be a mentor to others. You didn’t get to where you are today by yourself and no matter what status you accomplish in life, you should assume the responsibility to help those who are less fortunate than you.”
Wakefield added the benefits he received from living life altruistically.
“I’ve been involved with different charities my whole career and I can tell you that I’ve received much more than I’ve given,” Wakefield continued.
“I’ve also learned that it doesn’t matter how much money you’ve made, how big your house is or what kind of car you drive. What matters most is: did you make a difference in someone else’s life?”
When Curt Schilling revealed the news of Tim’s health issues last month, he also shared that Stacy was battling pancreatic cancer.
Jason Varitek’s wife subsequently ripped Schilling for sharing the news of the Wakefields’ cancer diagnoses, which she said the family had wished to keep private.
Wakefield pitched in the major leagues from 1992-2011, spending the first two years of his career with the Pirates and the remainder with the Red Sox.
He was known for his dizzying knuckleball, and accumulated 200 regular-season wins and two World Series championships.
“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement after Wakefield’s death.
“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.”