Boston Red Sox: Ten Greatest Starting Pitchers of All-Time
#9: Curt Schilling
While he does not bring much longevity, the four years that Curt Schilling spent with the Boston Red Sox late in his career will never be forgotten. Schilling is best known for his “Bloody Sock” performance in Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS, where he pitched magnificently despite needing surgery to repair the tendon in his right ankle.
The bloody sock became a phenomenon, and Schilling’s incredible performance was a massive reason why the Red Sox came back and beat the Yankees after being down 3-0 in the ALCS. Schilling then pitched six shutout innings in Game Two of the World Series to help the Red Sox sweep the St. Louis Cardinals for their first World Series victory since 1918.
Schilling will always be best remembered in Boston for his post season heroics, but he was a strong regular season performer for the Red Sox as well. Especially in his debut season with the Red Sox in 2004. Schilling finished 21-6 in 2004 with a 3.26 ERA and 203 strikeouts to only 35 walks. His performance led to second-place voting in the Cy Young award that season.
2005 was an awful season for Schilling, as he missed the beginning of the year still recovering from his ankle injury. When healthy, the Red Sox brought him back as their closer, and eventually moved him into the rotation. Schilling did not perform well in either role.
Schilling returned to form in 2006 going 15-7 as a full-time starter, and had a league leading 6.54 strikeout to walk ratio. He had a solid 2007 regular season, but he really turned it on for the Red Sox in the post season. Schilling seemed to save his best for last in 2007, as he ripped through the post season with similar success that we saw in 2004.
With Schilling helping lead the way, the Red Sox won the World Series again in 2007, which marked the last moments of Schilling’s career. as he retired following the 2007 season at 40-years-old.
Schilling had such a short career with the Red Sox, and there were rough patches. However, he will always be remembered in Boston history for his major part in those two historic World Series victories, making him an obvious inclusion to this list.
Next: Absolute Bulldog on the Mound