Former MLB pitcher, and current ESPN baseball analyst announced today (through a story on ESPN’s website) that he has been diagnosed with cancer. It is one more battle for the former star pitcher, who suffered a heart attack in November 0f 2011. Schilling took the news with courage and grace today.
“I’ve always believed life is about embracing the gifts and rising up to meet the challenges,” Schilling said in a statement released by ESPN. “We’ve been presented with another challenge, as I’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer.”
Schilling has strong support from his wife, Shonda Schilling who was diagnosed with cancer in 2001, but overcame the odds. The Schillings know exactly what they are in for in the coming weeks, months and years.
“Shonda and I want to send a sincere thank you and our appreciation to those who have called and sent prayers, and we ask that if you are so inclined, to keep the Schilling family in your prayers,” Schilling said in his statement.
“My father left me with a saying that I’ve carried my entire life and tried to pass on to our kids: ‘Tough times don’t last, tough people do.’ Over the years in Boston, the kids at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have shown us what that means.
“With my incredibly talented medical team I’m ready to try and win another big game. I’ve been so very blessed and I feel grateful for what God has allowed my family to have and experience, and I’ll embrace this fight just like the rest of them, with resolute faith and head on.”
The 47-year-old Schilling pitched in the majors for 20 years. He was a six-time All-Star and finished with a record of 216-146 and a 3.46 ERA. His 3,116 strikeouts rank 15th on MLB’s all time list. He was even more dominant in the post-season going 11-2, with four complete games and a 2.23 ERA over his career and winning World Series with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2001), and twice with the Boston Red Sox (2004, 2007). He famously pitched on a damaged, bloody ankle in the 2004 ALCS helping the Red Sox overcome their demons and defeat the rival New York Yankees.
Schilling was scheduled to take over as the lead analyst for ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball this season, but the network has not announced whether he will be able to remain in that role. The network released the following statement:
“Our thoughts are with Curt and his family during this challenging time. His ESPN teammates wish him continued strength in his cancer fight and we look forward to welcoming him back to our baseball coverage whenever he’s ready.”
We at LWOS wish Schilling, and all who suffer with the dreaded disease, the best of luck in his and their efforts to fight cancer.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @lastwordBkerr. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter –@LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Baseball writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
