Baseball-Former Red Sox knuckleballer Wakefield dies at 57

Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield, whose unpredictable knuckleball flummoxed opponents during a career in which he won two World Series championships, died on Sunday after a battle with brain cancer. He was 57.

Wakefield, who played 17 Major League Baseball (MLB) seasons for Boston after two years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, is third on the Red Sox list for career wins (186), six short of the team record held by Cy Young and Roger Clemens.

Also known for his charitable work, Wakefield was given MLB's Roberto Clemente Award in 2010, presented to the player who best reflects the spirit of giving back to the community, for his work with charities assisting needy children.

"Tim's kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball," said Red Sox principal owner John Henry.

"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."

Drafted by Pittsburgh in 1988 as a first baseman, Wakefield decided his odds of reaching the majors were better as a pitcher and developed the tricky knuckleball delivery to speed his progress.

The knuckleball is a pitch delivered with fingers dug into the ball in order to release it without imparting spin.

Not only is the speed of the delivery cut by about one-third, but the floating ball is affected by air conditions and currents that can drastically alter its flight. It can be as hard for a catcher to corral as for a batter to hit.

Armed with the beguiling pitch, Wakefield found himself on the fast-track to the majors and joined the Pirates for the 1992 season and posted an 8-1 record. But then the right-hander lost control of the pitch and was cut by