Residents boast home-field advantage

Faster than you can say "World Series," the news that ace pitcher Curt Schilling was moving to Medfield spread through town last week, fueling delight in this little corner of Red Sox nation.

"I think it's great," said Lavin, a fifth-grader, adding that his classmates were pleased, too. "They were, like, in shock. They were eating candy and it all fell out."

Schilling, a highly touted addition to the Red Sox pitching rotation, is buying a 20-room house on Woodridge Road from former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe for somewhere under the asking price of $6.5 million.

The local schools were abuzz with word that a new celebrity was moving to town.

"Every big contract that hits in Boston, they figure they're going to buy Bledsoe's house," said Medfield High School athletic director Jon Kirby. "We figured A-Rod maybe."

Earlier, rumors had Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez or Patriots quarterback Tom Brady taking over the mansion, which sits on 26 acres and includes a wine cellar, home theater, six full bathrooms, a heated swimming pool, and a tennis court.

Schilling and his wife, Shonda, have four children, and Kirby said Medfield teachers are already brainstorming special homework assignments: One would require all students to go home with a baseball and have their dads sign it.

"Some would be batting-practice balls. One ball we might just save and put aside," Kirby joked. "We're always thinking here in Medfield."

An informal poll of shoppers at Lord's last week revealed a lot of happy Red Sox fans.

"I think it's very exciting," said Sullivan, who was inspecting a Red Sox baseball cap Christmas ornament. "[Schilling] seems like a family guy. Hopefully he will become involved in the town."

Matt Villone, a pitcher for Medfield High School, said Schilling has been one of his favorite players for years.

"We need another positive role model in town," he said. "Such a small town with such a big claim to fame."

Like other residents surveyed, Villone was measured in his expectations. The senior said it would be great if Schilling got involved and wanted to help out with, say, a baseball clinic, but he added that people will understand that he's busy being a pitcher and has a family.

A couple of residents noted that Schilling will get something out of the deal, too.

"He's probably looking for great schools, don't you think?" said Steve Washburne, a Medfield father.

The town has had good experiences with sports stars. Both Bledsoe and former Patriots coach Pete Carroll were active in the community.

For example, Bledsoe and Carroll helped with a fund-raiser when the schools needed money to sod the football field, Kirby said. And Bledsoe donated 90 pairs of cleats to the school -- enough for all the high school football players, he said.

Schilling arrives with a reputation as someone who dives right into his community and its causes.

He has lent his name and support to the ALS Association, which battles Lou Gehrig's Disease. In 2001, Schilling won the Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to a Major League Baseball player for outstanding contributions to the community. And when he signed his $25.5 million contract with the Red Sox in November, Schilling pledged $500,000 to the Jimmy Fund.

His barber back in Kennett Square, Pa., where Schilling (an ex-Philly) kept a home even while he was pitching for Arizona, said he is just simply a good guy. "He sits down and talks to everybody," said Bob Burton of Burton's Barber Shop. "He's a real personality. You people are going to like him up there."

Burton also runs the Kennett Oldtimers' Baseball Association, which holds an annual banquet to honor local baseball stars who haven't received much recognition. Schilling spoke at the banquet one year and gave Burton one of his game shirts for his baseball memorabilia collection.

So, all things considered, what's the best thing about Schilling moving to town? Lavin didn't hesitate.

"I get to meet him and I hope he gives good Halloween candy," the 10-year-old said.

Oh yeah, and there's one more thing: "He's going to win us a World Series this year."

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.