"I'll forever regret what happened" - Ex-Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling on stepping aside from '04 WS celebration honoring Tim Wakefield

The Boston Red Sox have decided to commemorate the 2004 World Series win on April 9 ahead of their opening home game. They will also honor the late Boston Hall of Famer Tim Wakefield and his wife, Stacy, during the ceremony.

As per a press release, all the members who contributed to the 2004 milestone are invited to attend the ceremony, including former Red Sox ace Curt Schilling. However, MassLive.com reported that Schilling has declined to attend the event next month to avoid spoiling the special day for the Wakefield family.

“No, I don’t. Not this time,” Schilling replied to a fan comment asking him to participate in the festivities.

“Let the focus be on 04 and Wakey and Stacey (sic). I’ll forever regret what happened but I cannot in good conscience put myself (sic) in a position that would detract from the recognition that team and the Wakefields deserve.”

Schilling played for four seasons in Boston during the latter years of his career. Before retiring from the MLB, he won two World Series rings with the Red Sox, sharing the mound with Tim on both occasions.

Curt Schilling spilling news of Tim Wakefield's illness wasn’t well received by fans

Last September, on his podcast, ‘The Curt Schilling Baseball Show’, Curt Schilling shared his support and prayed for Tim and Stacy Wakefield.

“Tim Wakefield is sick,” Schilling said. “I want Tim and Stacy to know obviously we’re praying for them, we’re thinking of them.”

Schilling unwittingly ended up sharing the news of Wakefield's illness, which had not been made public at the time. Later, the Red Sox management contacted the couple and issued a statement with their approval.

Schilling faced a lot of backlash from fans for making the deeply personal health issue public. Tim Wakefield died at the age of 57, a few weeks after being diagnosed with brain cancer. Stacy, after reportedly battling with pancreatic cancer, died on Feb. 28.