Late Tim Wakefield honored at NBA Celtics championship game as teenage daughter accepts on his behalf

Brianna Wakefield, 17, was on hand to accept the “Heroes Among Us” award that honored her late father’s contributions to the Boston community.

Before winning the 2024 NBA Championship, the Boston Celtics took time to honor the 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, which honored her late father’s lifetime contributions to the Boston community, according to the Boston Herald. The Celtics present the award each home game to an “outstanding individual who has made exceptional and lasting contributions to their communities.”

The presentation specifically highlighted Wakefield’s work with the Jimmy Fund, which raises “millions of dollars for cancer research,” and his 2010 win of the Roberto Clemente Award, the Boston Herald said.

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Tim died in October 2023 of brain cancer, followed by his wife Stacy Wakefield five months later in February of 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.

Related: Tim Wakefield asks for ‘privacy’ after former teammate Curt Schilling shares cancer news without ‘permission’

A month later, the Red Sox announced that Tim had died. “Our hearts are broken with the loss of Tim Wakefield,” the team wrote. “Wake embodied true kindness; a devoted husband, father and teammate, a beloved broadcaster and the ultimate community leader. He gave so much to the game and to 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 caregivers and nurses. The loss is unimaginable, especially after losing Tim just under five months ago.

Related: Tim Wakefield’s widow, Stacy, dies 5 months after Boston Red Sox pitcher

In addition to daughter Brianna, the couple, who married in 2002, have a son, Trevor Wakefield, 19.

The Celtics won the game 106–88 and won their 18th NBA Championship.

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