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Curt Schilling: A Very Human Superman

Love him or hate him, departing ace was a compelling figure

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2008 2:15 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Plenty of fans adore Curt Schilling, plenty more harbor less admiring thoughts about him, and Kevin van Valkenburg, writing in the Baltimore Sun, feels a little bit of both. As the Red Sox pitcher faces a season-ending surgery, a look back at his career shows a gifted athlete with a compelling mix of arrogance, neediness, and grit.

Whether you believe his infamous stained sock was red with blood or with ink, Schilling's performance in the 2004 ALCS was heroic, and his postseason record (11-2, with three championship rings) speaks for itself. A consummate competitor, he was a pitcher who always wanted to be part of the fight in big moments—and always wanted everyone to be impressed by that.

Schilling is out for the season, and his career may be over. The 41-year-old Boston Red Sox right-hander said Friday June 20, 2008 on radio station WEEI he will have shoulder surgery next week.
Schilling is out for the season, and his career may be over. The 41-year-old Boston Red Sox right-hander said Friday June 20, 2008 on radio station WEEI he will have shoulder surgery next week.   (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)
Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling tends to his right ankle during the third inning of game 6 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees in this file photo taken on Tuesday, Oct. 19. 2004.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling tends to his right ankle during the third inning of game 6 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees in this file photo taken on Tuesday, Oct. 19. 2004.   (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
In this Oct. 25, 2007 file photo, Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling tips his hat as he walks off the field after Game 2 of the World Series against the Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park in Boston.
In this Oct. 25, 2007 file photo, Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling tips his hat as he walks off the field after Game 2 of the World Series against the Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park in Boston.   (AP Photo/Winslow Townson, File)
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MLB • Boston Red Sox • Curt Schilling • Arizona Diamondbacks • pitcher • sports injuries • baseball

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