SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The American Century Championship not only brings together sports and entertainment stars on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe for fun and golf, but it also creates an atmosphere of philanthropy. Since its inception, the tournament has generated $8.5 million in donations to local and national non-profits.
After the unexpected passing of baseball great Tim Wakefield from brain cancer in 2023 at the age of 53 (less than three months after playing in the tournament), American Century Investments, Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority (LTVA), and NBC Sports wanted to donate to a local community initiative or project in his name. Wakefield played in 11 of the tournaments at Lake Tahoe, all with his wife Stacy at his side. She died of pancreatic cancer just a few months after Tim’s passing, and those who knew them said they were the kindest and most giving couple they knew.
They wanted to find a way to honor Wakefield in the place he loved, Lake Tahoe. With the South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Aquatic Center under construction and
seeking funding, LTVA leaders suggested it would be an appropriate and connective community recipient for the tournament’s consideration. Discussion ensued about a baseball-related theme with the donations supporting the resulting pitching machine
and batting cages to promote and reinforce the sport among area youth. NBC Sports and American Century Investments have contributed $50,000 over the past three years toward that end, and they have pledged annual support to the community.
On Tuesday, people from those organizations, the tournament, and the public joined inside the recreation center with the new batting cage and pitching machine as a backdrop. This special event offered an opportunity for the community to come together to honor Tim Wakefield’s memory, celebrate his legacy, and enjoy an evening centered on recreation, youth sports, and community connection.
In attendance were American Century’s Senior Vice President, Head of Personal Financial Solutions, Rich Luchinsky; NBC Sports Vice President of Partnerships & General Manager, Gary Quinn; former professional baseball players Kevin Millar and Derek Lowe; Hall of Fame Pitcher John Smoltz; City of South Lake Tahoe leadership, several community members; and dozens of Little League, Junior Giants, and Babe Ruth players.
Quinn was presented with a Key to the City by South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass for the years of the community-centered golf tournament’s impact.
“I will do everything to keep this tournament here,” said Quinn of the American Century Championship. “This community means everything to us.”
After his passing, Quinn said they were looking for the best way to honor Wakefield. They already had the $10,000 Gene Upshaw Scholarship for a local student (Upshaw was also part of the tournament annually before his passing in 2008, just weeks after playing in the American Century).
The tournament started as a one-year replacement for NBC Sports after major league baseball players went on strike. That one-year made-for-television event is now 37 years old.
Luchinsky spoke during the presentation of Wakefield’s framed jersey at the new recreation center on Tuesday. He said the Wakefields left a legacy of kindness and service, helping countless people while they were alive. Now, the tournament’s perpetual donations to the South Lake Tahoe community will continue to help others.
Millar, who played for the Boston Red Sox with Wakefield, shared the story about what made Wakefield famous, his knuckleball pitch. “He dominated the major leagues with a 65-mph pitch,” said Millar, something not many others can accomplish.
“He was an amazing human being,” added the first baseman/outfielder. “This was his favorite week of the year.”
Millar called South Lake Tahoe Mayor Cody Bass up to the podium, telling him that he had a surprise. Millar joked that he has seen Bass wearing the same hat for as many years as he has been on the city council and as mayor, so he brought him a Boston Red Sox cap to wear. Bass proudly put it on.
Hall of Famer Pitcher John Smoltz and former professional baseball pitcher Derek Lowe were also on hand to celebrate Wakefield and the community donation. Lowe recalled the class act and unselfish player Wakefield was, something evident during the World Series against the Yankees that they played together.
“This is going to be a great legacy,” Lowe said of the batting cages and support of the recreation center.
Smoltz and Wakefield were also teammates for a while, at a time when they were “the oldest guys on the team,” Smoltz joked.
“He had a special talent,” said Smoltz. He shared stories of spring training when they took time out to play rounds of golf. The bet was that the loser bought the winner a shirt from the clubhouse. “I won eight shirts of Wakefield!” added Smoltz.
The Hall of Famer also highlighted Wakefield’s character both on and off the field.
“It is so important who you are off the field,” said Smoltz.
Smoltz then threw pitches to young South Lake Tahoe baseball players as they were encouraged by former player Kevin Millar – what a memory they will have! They also took time out to autograph baseballs and take photos with those in attendance.
