The Red Sox invited members of the 2004 team to throw out the first pitch before Game Two the World Series. Curt Schilling got upset he wasn’t invited.
The 2004 World Series team was something special for obvious reasons. The Boston Red Sox had the greatest comeback in Major league Baseball history, down three games to none against the Yankees in the ALCS. They had a first-year manager in Terry Francona who put a vibe in the clubhouse that lead them to a Championship. There were so many contributors to that team from Pedro Martinez to David Ortiz. It was a group of guys who had fun, were loose, and played with heart.
Before Game Two of the 2018 World Series, the Red Sox honored the 2004 team by having a few players from that season throw out the ceremonial first pitch. The members of the 2004 team in attendance that night were Tim Wakefield, Kevin Millar, Alan Embree, Keith Foulke, Pedro Martinez, and David Ortiz. Curt Schilling wasn’t invited though and it really got him upset.
Schilling took to Facebook to rant about not being invited which he claims was 100% on purpose. He also claims that the owners were shady and dishonest with him over his contract the last few years of his career. The former pitcher really doesn’t have a filter of what he says on social media. He doesn’t care what people think of him because at the end of the day he can look at his three World Series rings. Schilling posted on Facebook:
"“White privileged rich “men” hate me? People, who have and will again ruin others lives to make themselves appear flawless? People who’ve never broken a sweat, cried and or bled for something bigger than themselves think ill of me? I think that’s exactly what my father would have wanted from me as a man, husband and father.”"
Out of the entire 2004 team, Schilling is probably the most vocal about his political beliefs. Which is what got him fired from ESPN in 2016 over some controversial posts on social media. He went from being a Red Sox icon to a person who let politics get in the way with sports. Politics don’t mix with sports well at all. Sports is a time to get away from all the politics and enjoy a game for three or four hours. You don’t see David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, or Kevin Millar go tweeting something political after their TV shows on their networks. It’s strictly sports and that’s what it should be.
However, Schilling was a big part of the 2004 team. We all remember the 2004 ALCS when Schilling pitched at Yankee Stadium and blood was coming from his sock. Despite his political beliefs, the Sox should’ve invited the pitcher. The 2004 team had to do with winning the World Series that season. I’m sure Sox ownership didn’t invite other players too but Schilling lives in the area and would’ve thrown the first pitch and left.
It doesn’t matter that his video game company in Rhode Island failed. Or he says some bazaar things on Twitter all that matters is he helped the Sox win a championships.