Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling reveals cancer diagnosis

Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Curt Schilling, part of the Boston Red Sox starting rotation from 2004 through 2007, revealed on Wednesday that he’s been diagnosed with cancer. The 47 year old is slated to serve as part of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball broadcast team and released a statement through the network:

I’ve always believed life is about embracing the gifts and rising up to meet the challenges. We’ve been presented with another challenge, as I’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer.

Schilling did not elaborate as to what type of cancer he’s been diagnosed with, but either way it’s terrible news for a family that’s had to deal with the illness before. Shonda Schilling, Curt’s wife, was diagnosed with stage 2 malignant melanoma in 2001. She’s since recovered and is highly active, running the Boston and New York Marathons annually in an effort to raise money for the families various charitable efforts.

Schilling finished his 20 year career with the four seasons in Boston. He went 53-29 during his time with the Red Sox, including a 21 win season in 2004 (he finished 2nd in Cy Young Award voting) when he first joined the organization. Schilling posted a 3.95 ERA and 1.215 WHIP over 675.0 IP with the club, helping the team win a pair of World Series titles in 2004 and 2007. He also spent time with the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Arizona Diamondbacks.

For his career he won 215 games with a 3.46 ERA, 1.137 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, and 2.0 BB/9 in just over 3,200 innings.

Schilling’s post season accomplishments were what he’s most commonly associated with, beyond just the “Bloody Sock” game against the New York Yankees in 2004. In 19 starts he posted an 11-2 record, 2.23 ERA, and 0.986 WHIP. He was a part of three World Series winning clubs (adding in the 2001 D’backs) and one losing team (1993 Phillies).