He was an absolute strike machine, compiling the best strikeout/walk ratio (4.38 K's per walk) of all pitchers with at least 1,500 innings since 1900. It's my favorite Schill stat.
He was unafraid to call out those who did not live up to his personal and professional standards - including titans like Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Roger Clemens.
I'm told he even ripped into a couple of media people. No problem. We often complain about athletes who serve up party-line quotes ("stay within myself," "I just want to help the team"). Not Schill. You always knew where the Big Guy stood. I mean, how many other devout Christians do you know who constantly talk about "bad people"?
Schilling had shoulder surgery in Wilmington, Del., yesterday and we wish him well. Surgery is no fun for anyone. And it has to be tough when you are 41 years old and as competitive as Schilling. It's possible he'll never pitch again, which would be an unfortunate way to close the curtain on a great career.
Without telling his bosses ($8 million for not pitching doesn't buy loyalty the way it used to), Schilling last Friday broke the news of his upcoming surgery on his paid radio gig (yes, the money goes to charity, but Schilling would not be talking to WEEI if the financial arrangement didn't exist, and he knows there will be no tough questions). He later posted a few words on the increasingly hilarious 38Pitches.com. He was at Fenway Saturday and did not speak to reporters.
I hate to offend the fragile psyches of Schill-o-phants, blog-boys, and others who worship at the altar of Curt, but there are a few indelicate points that might be made about all this. Let's start with the money. The Red Sox could have said goodbye to Schilling last winter and not been on the hook for $8 million this year. It's quite the gold watch, is it not?
If the Sox are feeling a tad snookered, they won't show it.
