Former MLB All-Star Pitcher has Cancer

05 Feb, 2014

Former pitcher Curt Schilling announced Wednesday that he is battling cancer.

The 47-year-old Schilling divulged the news in a statement released through his employer, Bristol-based ESPN. It did not indicate what type of cancer Schilling has, when he was diagnosed or what his prognosis might be.

“With my incredibly talented medical team I’m ready to try and win another big game,” said Schilling, who retired in 2009 after 20 years in the major leagues.

“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.”

ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys said Schilling is taking a leave of absence. He recently signed a multiyear contract extension with the network and was to be part of the “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcast team, as well as contribute to the network’s studio coverage, including its spring training coverage, Soltys said.

“Our thoughts are with Curt and his family during this challenging time,” the Bristol-based network said in a statement. “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”.

Schilling played for five teams during his Major League career. He won three world championships, with the Arizona Diamondbacks (2001) and Boston Red Sox (2004, 2007), sharing the World Series MVP award with teammate Randy Johnson in 2001.

He won 216 games and struck out 3,116 batters during his career, but is perhaps best known for pitching in the 2004 ALCS and World Series after having stitches to mend an ankle injury. His bloody sock was later put on display in Cooperstown.

AP

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