Schilling to have season-ending surgery
Curt Schilling revealed this morning that he will have season-ending surgery on his right shoulder on Monday, saying there was a "pretty decent chance that I've thrown my last pitch forever."
The 41-year-old Red Sox righthander made the disclosure during his weekly interview on sports radio WEEI's Dennis and Callahan show, sounding very much like a player whose career could be over.
"I don't want it to end this way, but if this is the way it has to end, I'm OK with that," Schilling said. "If it's over and my last pitch was in the 2007 World Series, I'm OK with that. I just can't stress enough where I am mentally with this. I have not a regret in the world. ... None of this makes me bitter or angry or pissed. It is what it is. In that sense, honestly, it's very, very easy for me because of what I've been able to experience compared to what I wanted when I first started my career, but if I have some say in how this is gonna end, I want it to be different than what it is right now."
Even in a best-case scenario, Schilling said, he wouldn't try to return to the mound for a full season in 2009, but rather make an attempt to be a hired gun for some team during the stretch run. To even get there, however, Schilling acknowledged he'd have to clear a lot of hurdles.
"If I did everything I wanted to do, and did everything I could do and needed to do, and I was healthy, and I was better than that 2007 end of the season guy, and it wasn't painful, I've got a decent track record after September," Schilling said. "Putting myself out there next All-Star break as healthy and auditioning for whoever's in contention and pitching the final three months of the season, kind of in a David Cone hired gun kind of thing, I wouldn't care where it was or what it was. From a personal standpoint, my family's OK."
The Globe's Gordon Edes reports that the Red Sox have confirmed that Schilling will have surgery, and that GM Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona will discuss this development before the Red Sox-Cardinals game at Fenway Park tonight. Schilling will not be at the ballpark, according to the club.
Schilling also wrote in his blog today that he would provide an update after Monday's surgery and what the prognosis and decisions are going forward.
Schilling said the major procedure would be performed by Dr. Craig Morgan, who thought Schilling should have chosen surgery in the offseason rather than the rehab program recommended by the Red Sox. When asked if this meant that Dr. Morgan's initial analysis of the injury and rehab was correct, Schilling replied, "I don't know ... and I don't care.
"There's a chance a lot of things could happen here. My season's over. There's a pretty decent chance that I've thrown my last pitch forever, so I don't care. It doesn't matter. I'm going in to make it not hurt anymore, which is pretty much all I care about."
According to Schilling, the procedure will involve a relocating of the biceps muscle, plus "some other stuff," Schilling said. When asked if that "other stuff" might entail repair to the labrum and rotator cuff, Schilling wouldn't speculate, saying that would be determined after he went under the knife.
"This could conceivably be a career-ending procedure," Morgan told the Associated Press. "We're doing this so that Curt Schilling will have a totally functional, pain-free shoulder for the rest of his life."
Schilling acknowledged that even if the surgery is successful and doesn't reveal more problems, he faces a very long road back.
"Off of surgery there's two other possibilities, two potentials, which was I could wake up after the surgery and be told 'you know what, it's been a good run, you got no shot of getting back out there' which is something I've ... had to be OK with because it's a potentially likely scenario," he said. "And the other one is, we fixed it but whatever happens between now and when you decide to pitch again, it's going to be five times as much than you ever had to do from a rehabilitation standpoint. Those are the two surgery results.
"The second option to me was my career's over today. If I don't have surgery, my career's over today. So, I've had to sit back and weigh those options and figure out what we wanted to do."
Early in spring training, Schilling's course of treatment became a source of melodrama. Team physician Dr. Thomas Gill recommended rehab for a tendon injury. Schilling sought a second opinion from Morgan, who operated on the right shoulder in 1995 and 1999. Morgan felt surgery was best and rehabilitation would fail -- and potentially end Schilling's career.
After experiencing a setback last week, Schilling returned to Boston ahead of the team to see Dr. Gill to discuss where to go next in his efforts to rehabilitate his ailing right shoulder. His last throwing session, Friday in Cincinnati, did not go well -- Red Sox manager Francona called it a "plateau". This morning, Schilling explained what went wrong.
"Painful," Schilling replied when asked to characterize the setbacks he's faced. "I never could get past a certain stage. The analogy I use to explain to people where I was at was if you use a scale of 1-to-10, and 10 is pitching in a big-league game, I'm at about a 3 right now. And if you use a pain scale from 1 to 10, I'm probably at a 1 to 2 from a discomfort standpoint. When I try to make the move in effort from 3 to 4, my pain goes from 1 to 2 to 7 or 8."
Strengthening the shoulder wasn't the issue, Schilling explained on the radio this morning.
"I got strong," Schilling said. "Everybody involved is very pleased and in Dr. Morgan's case, ecstatic with the amount of strength that I have in my shoulder. I remember making the comment a couple of months ago, my fear was that I'd get strong and be able to do all this awesome strength stuff but at the end of the day I wouldn't be able to pitch, and that's kind of what happened. Functionally my shoulder is incredibly strong. From a rehabilitation standpoint if there isn't career-ending damage, I'm in an incredibly good position to have surgery, but I can't throw a pitch. And when you're a pitcher, that's a problem."
No matter what happens with the surgery, Schilling insists he has no regrets.
"I've been blessed a billion times over," Schilling said. "I've been given far more than I ever, ever, ever, ever could have imagined and to be able to spend the last couple of years of my career as a member of this franchise, in front of these fans is a gift I'll never be able to repay. This is not a funeral. It's not a bad thing. I've been given a billion times more than I ever dreamed I could get and to be able to finish it here, if that's what happened, is OK, and I have nothing but appreciation and gratitude and love for the people that root for this team and the teammates of mine. So, it's not a bad thing."
The Red Sox are deep in starting pitching even without Schilling and have the second best record in the majors, trailing only the Chicago Cubs.
Josh Beckett is the ace, Daisuke Matsuzaka is 8-0 with a 2.53 ERA, and youngsters Jon Lester and Justin Masterson are having solid seasons. Bartolo Colon, the AL Cy Young award winner in 2005, is 4-2 after signing a minor league contract during spring training, and Tim Wakefield is 4-4 with the second most innings pitched on the staff.
The Red Sox also have Clay Buchholz, who began the season with Boston but is now at Triple-A Pawtucket. He pitched a no-hitter in his second major league start last Sept. 1.
Schilling ended last season, his 20th, with 3,116 strikeouts, 14th most in baseball history. And he's been dominant in the postseason with an 11-2 record, the best of any pitcher with at least 10 decisions.
In 2004, his first season with the Red Sox after being traded from Arizona, Schilling became a sports icon in Boston when he won Game 6 of the ALCS and Game 2 of the World Series after a surgical procedure to suture a loose tendon in his right ankle. His bloodstained right sock became a part of baseball history.
Schilling said he was not hurt when he signed a one-year, $8 million contract with Boston in November but knew in spring training he might never pitch in a game again.
"I don't have any choice. If their course of action (rehab) doesn't work I don't pitch this year, and I may never pitch again," he said at the time.
He has a career record of 216-146 with a 3.46 ERA, and was co-MVP of the 2001 World Series with Randy Johnson for Arizona.
Schilling spent part of last season on the disabled list with what the team said was tendinitis in his right shoulder and went 9-8 with a 3.47 ERA in 24 starts. Then came the postseason and he was outstanding again. In four starts, he went 3-0, including a 2-1 win over Colorado in the second game of Boston's sweep of the World Series.
More Schilling quotes from his lengthy WEEI interview:
Regarding how often he is feeling pain:
"It started to get painful again, non-throwing pain, which is a huge part of the equation. I went through four months of strengthening with no pain whatsoever and I was excited about the fact that I was not generating inflammation and pain given the intensity and rigor with what we wanted to work, but at some point here we got to a point where I imagine we might get, I just hope we get there at the end of the process where throwing went from being kind of uncomfortable thing to a downright painful thing and when the pain increases, the amount of time it lingers afterwards changes, and it's starting to move in that area."
On facing reality:
"It doesn't take a rocket scientist to do a case study. I'm 41, I've got over 3,000 innings under my belt there's a period of time when some of those innings stacked on top of each other for a lot of years. I know when you read an MRI and it shows things, generally it shows the bare minimum and when you get opened up you add a lot to the mix. I've got some issues beyond the bicep that I'm very comfortable will be fixed. I'm very ready for something else to be wrong."
On his contract situation with the Red Sox:
"Unfortunately now, my career ended with me taking a paycheck for six months and not pitching and I feel good about the fact that I went back to them and did restructure the deal. I'm not getting paid to weigh in but part of me feels bad about the fact that all this happened to begin with and I think at some point in time during this process there was a lot of things in question about me from an integrity-principle standpoint and I hope that those things aren't in question with the people involved anymore but I never intended for this to be the way it is. I never misled anybody and we are where we are because I got hurt, and I can't change that.
Are you going to hang around?:
"I would like to pull a Mark McGwire, in a sense, for my family's sake and it's probably the right thing to do from an outside of the Red Sox standpoint. I don't know what the club wants me to do. I don't know what they'd like me to do, if anything, and if we have that discussion, I'm sure I'll talk about it."
More on the surgery:
"Actually Dr. Gill was trying to accommodate a request to sit in on the surgery and the gentleman who invented the procedure [to] transfer the bicep muscle is actually going to come down. He's at UConn. He's gonna come down and sit in on it as well."
On keeping it in perspective:
"I'm not mad that I didn't get to pick the way I walked away. Part of it is my fault in a good and a bad way. Again, it's not a bad thing. And I appreciate the condolences, so to speak, but I'll give you a good example. I'm talking to a woman named Bridget, whose 31 years old, and is this picture of perfect health, whose 25 months pregnant, has stage-4 cancer, and has six-to-nine months to live. You know what? That's tragedy. This is not. This is 22 freakin' years I've been playing this game. I would hate to think that's I'm not going to get a shot, but if I don't, I don't… this is all about perspective. ... Wouldn't we all like to throw a no-hitter in our last start at the age 40 in the World Series and walk away. Who wouldn't? That's not real life."
Background information from the Boston Globe and the Associated Press was used in this report.
wow, the Sox are having such a good year I completely forgot he was even on the team.
Big surprise.
Hang it up Schilling. You had a great career and proved yourself to be one of the best of your era. Boston fans will always be grateful for what you did in getting us a WS win in 2004. Hanging on is a sign of a guy who can't let it go. You don't need the money and you appear to have set yourself up for a life after the game with a gaming company, a family and some charitable pursuits.
any chance Big Schill sends any money back
Bobby Orr did
Why didn't Theo listen to Schilling and his doctor before? Stupid move Theo!
We'll miss you Schill!
Raise your hand if you care.....
Just heard it, and it sounded more like career ending surgery.
Thanks for everything Curt!
12 million and free health insurance... thanks curt!!
Looks like Lester, Masterson, Dice K, Wake, Beck, Colon, and Bucholz will have to do....
This surgery should have been done long time ago. Shame on the Red Sox!!!
Good. I'm so effing sick of this a-hole. Don't let the door hit you on the way out Curt.
I still don't get why the Sox didn't have the surgery done when the issue surfaced. He'd likely be back in Aug/Sep with a chance to help in the pennant race/post season. What a waste.
He totally took the Sox on this one. Sorry for him he is injured but glad he is gone. Self absorbed blowhard.
While I'll always be grateful for what Curt contributed to the Sox and their championships I definitely think this guy should run for the Senate. He already knows what it's like to get paid a lot of money for doing nothing!
Forget him. Schill knew he was injured when he cajoled the Sox into signing him to a one year deal. Schill acted like he was doing the Sox a favor when he "agreed" to a one year deal when he knew all along that he was bamboozling us. I have lost respect for him. Maybe he should spend the rest of the summer campaigning with Sen. McCain.
Wow, good luck Schill. I hope he gets a chance to come back, and with the Sox, but with all those young arms, I just don't see it, nor do I see him taking a lesser role (bullpen) to come back to Boston.
You can't tell me that he didn't know he wasn't going to pitch again when he signed that fat contract. He should pay the monies back. He and Jose Posada should become the battery for the fraud team.
Well this will be interesting.....
Curt,
I'm so sorry. You are such a gamer, an incredible talented, hard-nosed athlete straight-up on and off the field. You take such pleasure in playing baseball. We all know it and took such pleasure in watching you play. Thanks. Get back soon.
Sad to hear it but not surprised. Curt, your place in sports history was sealed in 04, and topped in 07. We won't forget your rallying back to reverse the curse. I'm sure you would have rather said good-bye from the mound than from the disabled list, but you won't be forgotten.
Now please, don't enter politics - it has a way of soiling one's image. Work on the video game, your charity, and other worthwhile endeavours.
Thank God. Maybe he'll go away forever now.
Sad to hear it but not surprised. Curt, your place in sports history was sealed in 04, and topped in 07. We won't forget your rallying back to reverse the curse. I'm sure you would have rather said good-bye from the mound than from the disabled list, but you won't be forgotten.
Now please, don't enter politics - it has a way of soiling one's image. Work on the video game, your charity, and other worthwhile endeavours.
I hope his arm falls off
It would have been good for Curt to have gracefully waved goodbye after the World Series. Nobody wants it to end, but it always does. Now that high of last year is replaced by this low. Time will heal this painful exit from the game, but that doesn't make it any easier.
Another example of why it is better to go out on top if you get the chance.
So, if Curt had the surgery earlier like he wanted to do would this have changed his timeline in 2008 or his chances of pitching again?
No Surpise there with the surgery--It reminds of that ole song from the Steve Miller Band--"take the money and run"
What a waste of money
So does this mean he will forgo his salary for the remainder of the year as well, as well as return the pay he's earned on a pro-rated basis through the last time he was able to pitch? He'll probably just tour the country telling people to vote for John McCain.
YES!
What exactly is wrong with his shoulder?
See, the Sox should have just let him get the surgery like Dr. Morgan suggested. What a waste. Thanks for the memories, Curt. What you did in '04 will never be forgotten.
Thank goodness. Now he can put his time and energy into getting John McCain elected.
Great player. Great character. He is largely responsible for the Sox 2 series championships over the last few years. Thanks Schilling.
Good riddance. I'll never forget the 2004 postseason and he will always be a hero of that time, but I really don't like the guy and I think he did this on purpose. He knew he wasn't going to be able to play for us, but he took the contract anyway.
The negativity in this town sucks... some folks NEVER give it up
Curt: Thank you for everything. We will never forget. Goodbye, and please don't look back. You've accomplished great things, and it's time to move on.
good thing we have a farm system to make up for the lost cash the schill stole. Now join Keith Foulke and Johnny from Burger King! go back to the desert and thanks for 04'.
This same Schilling will be bad mouthing the Sox come September 09 when he's pitching for the Yankees. Mark my words!
Curt,
Sorry to hear about your career ending injury. You're a gamer, you love the game and you'll be missed... Thanks for the memories...
Marcus
Hopefully now he will get off the radio. He has more to say in areas that he should keep his mouth shut than anyone in recent memory. I found his demands for a $13 million contract back in the spring so transparent and over the top that I lost interest in anything he said, does or will do. I respect his charitable efforts but please..Stay out of areas you know little about and be seen versus heard. God gave humans two ears and one mouth for a reason.
Frank G.
Wow alot of these fans on this thread have forgot what he did to deliver a World Series to the Red Sox in 2004. Do you really think we would of won in 2004 without him? We wouldnt have.
Nothing worse than a fan with a memory that lasts a week
I'm stunned by some of the nasty comments here by so-called Red Sox fans.
Hey, I'm as left wing as you get, and I hated Schilling's politics, but, putting that aside...this guy was to the Red Sox what Kevin Garnett was to the 2007-2008 Celtics.
Only difference is, Schilling has TWO rings for the Sox (and was Huge in BOTH the 2004 AND 2007 post-seasons).
We owe this guy a debt of gratitude, not scorn and nasty comments.
God bless you, Curt, and all the best. THIS Red Sox fan appreciated everything you did for this team!!!!
Theyre should be a CURT SCHILLING DAY as soon as possible...I would vote for some time this summer.
This guy SAVED the Red Sox franchise.
What a drama queen!
Didn't he already send out his farewell cards last season? One less thing to do before he packs up his gear for good!
He's trying so freagin hard to be in the news...picks a time right after Tiger announces his season-ending surgery!!!
Curt,
Thanks for everything. I may not have always agreed with you politically, but I admire who you are and how you conduct yourself. It's nice being a part of RSN down here in Sugarloaf, PA ... away from the noise and static that seem to be getting in the way for some of the other commentors. So for me, I can remember you like I remember Jim Lonborg from '67 when I was a kid.
Not to sound morbid but I didn't get a chance to say "thank you" to Tim Russert for all that he stood for when he was alive.
So "Thank You, Curt Schilling." And see ya later.
Curt Thanks for all youve done for our team! Don't listen to all the MORONS who are glad your done. You are a true team mate and you have a great spot in Sox history.
In Curts own words...... "will vigorously pursue any and every option I can to be able to help this team to another World Series title in 2008."
Paying $8 Mil for Curt to do nothing is a great help to the current pitching rotation! Thanks Curt!
Too bad your legacy will be how you took the sox for $8 million for a no show season when you could have riden out a champion at the end the 07 season. You have confirmed that it is all about the money and not about "team"
Any one want a free Schilling shirt?
I am so glad this politician is done. Now he can spend his time doing what he loves to do make opinions on everybody else and pretend he is in congress. I am sure he will make this a huge spectacle cause well its always all about curt.
Why so much hatred? Schill is outspoken to be sure, and I don't agree with him politically by a long shot, but he is forever a hero in Boston. He should be accorded that status by everyone who claims to be a Sox fan.
Good luck Curt and thanks for everything you've done for the fans of the Red Sox and for baseball in general! Don't let the whiners here discourage you, you have an open door in Boston and we're glad to welcome you anytime!
Take Care and God Bless!
I cannot believe people that call themselves Red Sox fans would say the moronic negative comments posted above. Curt Schilling has done nothing but be a shining example of hard work and character.
True Red Sox fans will always appreciate the unbelievably courageous effort in the 2004 postseason, the fact that he was never, ever even mentioned being linked to steriod use and contributes to so many worthy causes.
The people criticizing him have obviously not a clue as to what a role model he has been. Or perhaps they would prefer their role models to be the Barry Bonds variety. To say he knew he wouldn't be able to pitch and was taking the Red Sox for an $8 million dollar ride shows they truly do not understand what a competitor he was.
schilling, the republican, and his fuzzy math. Yes I nitpick, but she is 25 months pregnant???? 25-9= 14 months....her kid would be a tot by the time it was born...also, having stage IV cancer is not the picture of health, she may LOOK healthy, but is not the picture of of perfect health. Oh yeah, Schill, you also should have gone out on top. If, in your gut, you trusted Dr. Morgan, you should have told the Sox to go to hell, forgot the $$$$, and had the surgery at the beginning. Can't have your cake and eat it too....but at least you have some perspective on the matter
People shouldn't find fault or point fingers at either side....The Red Sox have become a class organization and Schilling is a class-act player....They have two championships together...Good for them. I would like to see "Big Schill" back at Fenway in some capacity, some day.
You had an awesome career, worked hard, played hard, and got rewards for it. Congratulations for all you did. Red Sox nation reaped rewards from your accomplishments during your last few years of playing and even though it is hard to say it is time to retire, it is time. Too be able to look back at what you have accomplished has to be a great thing. Good Luck with your surgery and with the future.
Wow. I cannot believe all the negative comments. IF you're all Sox fans, how can anyone begrudge what he did for this franchise, especially what he pitched through in 2004. The guy will forever be a Boston and Baseball Legend, he brought a World Series to Boston! Ease up! He's not hurting anyone, he's not taking money out of your pockets, he's a professional athlete, and they live under totally different and unimaginable circumstances to the ordinary joe. Good luck, heal well, and thanks for everything Curt! Hope to see you get another ovation in Fenway soon!
We're going to miss you Curt! Thanks for the great memories and moments that you helped provide to Red Sox fans everywhere. You are the man. Stick around Boston we love you here (most of us logical fans anyways).
The big Schill should buy every person that comes to Fenway over the next 81 home games a hotdog. His 8 Million salary divided by full capacity for 81 games comes out to $2.75 a person. If he uses his employee discount on the concession stand, he owes each of us a hotdog. He can put one in his own big mouth too if he likes.
Way to take our money Schill!
Ron Merryman
how soon people forget .how theo went to curts place on thanksgiving trying to sign him with the red sox . maybe people should look at that ford commercial he made once he signed with the sox you know him hitch hiking on the highway people asking why he is going to boston -his response was to pitch the red sox to a world series title that hadnt been done in 86 years and he did that plus the bloody sock .he has earned a free pass from me every since i think red sox nation have very short term memories -thanks for em curt
25 months pregnant - that really is a tragedy...
I don't dislike Schilling, but I find his constant 'public guilt' about his salary to be disingenuous. Considering how bad he feels about earning so much money and not pitching this year, I would think he would either give it back or give it all to charity. I'm sure you have enough to get by, Schill, and that way at least you won't feel so bad about the whole thing.
Curt,
Glad to have had you here to finish out your career right where it all started here in Boston. Thanks for contributing to 2 World Series titles.
Hey can you do us a favor?
Can you take Mike Timlin with ya?
I'd love to know what stunning accomplishments all of you making negative comments have on your resumes besides anonymous bad-mouthing.
I wonder how many of you criticizing him for the $$$ are spending your work day reading websites on-the-clock...day after day. And dc: You're pointing out the 25 month pregnancy thing...So is it Curt's fault that there is a typo in something he didn't write too? How's being clever going for you?
Kudos to Curt for handling this kind of crap while succeeding as a family man and handling two extremely impressive careers (while injured!).
I do think it's time for Curt to hang it up. Does he get a ring at the end of the season for parade #7? I don't know how that works, but I thought it was if you start the season with the team, you get a ring. Is that true? By the way Curt, thanks for the memories. You truly started the Red Sox Revolution.
http://www.wickedpissadude.com
Thanks for the memories Curt, and best to you and your family. That would seem to be the only appropriate comment that one should make. Shilling was a great player and was always willing to share his thoughts, whether one agrees with them or not. But there are alot of haters out there and they always seem to feel it neccessary to burden others with their misguided emotions. What those people have to say is not only classless, it reveals them for what they are - people I would sooner ignore.
Thanks for the memories Curt, and best to you and your family. That would seem to be the only appropriate comment that one should make. Shilling was a great player and was always willing to share his thoughts, whether one agrees with them or not. But there are alot of haters out there and they always seem to feel it neccessary to burden others with their misguided emotions. What those people have to say is not only classless, it reveals them for what they are - people I would sooner ignore.
Contract for Curt Shilling in 2004: $13 million
House for sale in Medfield with seven bathrooms: $8 million
Pitching Game 2 of the 2004 World Series with a bloody anke: Priceless
Gonna miss you Big guy..ftom the first time you popped into SOSH and kept us in the loop..and as far as I am concerned..the SOX should pay you 10 mill a year for life...NO WS Championship in 04 without you.
Now..can we re-invent Howard Cosell....and put you on the air...just joking..
Curt..thanks for the great memories
and even though your second time around was not that long..I hope the RED SOX retire your number...
Is Schilling outspoken? Of course he is. Do I agree with everthing he says? Of course not. But personally I like that he puts his opinions out there. Most athletes in a similar spotlight fall back to politically correct, cliche answers. I also respect him for what he's done on the field. To me, he's right up there with Bobby Orr, Larry Bird, Tom Brady & Doug Flutie in the Boston sports history books. He'll be missed.
I wish the "fans" above who are knocking the guy could feel again the gut wrenching pain after Boone's home run in 2003. I have been around for the dismal early sixties, '72, '74, '78, '86, etc. I'm also a lifetime liberal Democrat and can keep my politics and my baseball separate. Schilling gave up his body to help deliver the miracle of '04 and the Sox/Yankees universe will never be the same.
If you love the Sox, Schilling gets a pass on his politics, his style, and his paycheck this year. C'mon people, let's think this through.
Curt, thanks and good luck.
Wow, I can't believe all the negative comments here. Curt Schilling by pitching in the 04' series probably cost himself a shot at the Hall because it pretty much derailed his 05' season and most likely the remainder of his career as he was never really the same since.
He sacrificed a lot for this team and anyone who would criticism him now is obviously a bandwagon fan and not a true sox fan.
Thanks for the memories Curt, without you it'd probably be 90 years and counting by now.
Curt don't listen to the ignorant fans out there. You will always be remembered for that 2004 playoff performance and bringing back the world series title to Boston. The majority of Red Sox fans will always appreciate your efforts. Good luck in whatever comes your way dude!
I think Schill is one of the greatest pitchers of this of any generation (look to his post-season numbers) thanks for those championships you help to win and good luck in your new life (if baseball career is over as it seems). I'm from Costa Rica and a big fan of Boston Red Sox (the team is not only love by americans!)
Not my favorite person, don't like his politics, and anyone who chats with Dennis and Callahan must be as big a nitwit as they are....BUT....that said, Curt was a helluva pitcher, a great gamer, and a vital part of the Sox' success in '04 and '07. I fear he'll do something really stupid now, like run for Ted's Senate seat. But he'll always have a special place in my baseball reveries. Good luck, Schill, and thanks for the memories.
Does anyone read what he said???
"...but if I have some say in how this is gonna end, I want it to be different than what it is right now."
Curt has a say in EVERYTHING whether it's related to him or not. Do you think for one minute that he will have no say in something so directly related to him, his career and his legacy? Look for him to be pitching either for the Yankees (despite what he said, they'll flash the cash w/ no Cashman and lots of Hank next year) or Mets after the All Star break in '09. Guaranteed!
We have all loved watching you, and appreciated all the effort and dedication you brought to your work. Of course we hope that, with luck and lots of rehab, you might be able to pitch again, and if so, we all hope it will be for the Sox. But if it doesn't work out that way, what you have done already has been extraordinary, and worthy of praise. Thank you so much for all the thrills.
Schill I hate to see it end this way but you have brought us a lot and we'll never forget you! Maybe you'll be back next year?
Does KG know how to throw a splitter?
Well Schill you had a great career and thanks you were a big part of 2004 and 2007 and thanks for your part in charity in Boston all Red Sox fans wish you and your family a great future
tthe news is too bad, but I can't say I'm terribly surprised. He gave a lot more to the Sox than just his pitching – he was a terrific role model for the young pitchers with his attitude and preparation for games. This makes his post-season performance last year even more impressive. I wish him well.
For all you AHOLES here, do you FORGET that Shilling was instrumental in bringing Boston a World Championship after, ahhh HOW MANY YEARS???? He promised and he delivered.
AND, he did it again in 2007. He is one of the best post season pitchers EVER, and he performed right here in Boston.
So why don't you idiots go and learn about the game of baseball, do something else besides post stupid crap on websites. In other words, get out of your mother's basements, get a life and use your brains.
Thank you,
From a pink hat (I LIKE pink), very baseball smart chick.
This is a blog open to public opinion. For all of you calling each other ignorant or whatever names you are saying, you are clearly in the wrong place.
Schilling was one of my favorite players before 2004. Then he arrived and every week since I've been listening to his opinions on everything on the radio. The bottom line is, someone was paid $8 Million dollars to hang out with the team this year. I understand Curt's hurt, I understand he does great charity work and I understand he helped us win in '04. Thanks Curt! That doesn't explain his performance in '08. That doesn't explain how someone so wealthy can take $8 million dollars from an organization and a city that "loves" him according to some of the threads above. Do the right thing Curt. Donate your salary to charity. How about the Jimmy Fund?
216 wins, no Cy Youngs = NO HALL OF FAME.
Man, I can't believe how short of a memory Red Sox Nation has. Without Schil their is NO WAY your team wins the WS in 04, and you probably don't even get to the post season via the wild card. You forgot Schil should have won the Cy Young in 04.
I did root for the Sox in 04 (I'm a DBacks now, but born a Cubs fan) for 3 reasons: 1) I hate the Yanks like any sensible person 2) I felt for the fans after going through years of misery rooting for the Cubbies 3) Schilling. Don't forget the years or heartbreak (Ruth, Bucky f*ing Dent, Aaron bleeping Boone) and I'd encourage you to start to be humble because karma has a way to bite people in the bass.
As for not liking his politics because most of you are left wing nuts, Curt was one of the few voices of reason in a town filled with idiotic politicians and the people who vote for them.
Schilling is a terrible person. Its better for the game and for society as a whole if Curt never surfaces again. The falsity that is the "bloody sock " story, just like barry bonds' homerun record, should be stricken from the record books and peoples' minds. Interesting how there was a red sharpie spotted in the locker room that same day. Curt you were nothing but a fraud from your days in baltimore, up until the time you induced the redsox to give you a 1y deal... Good Riddance Curt. Go back to the sewer you crawled out of...
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