Curt Schilling

Co-Winner of the 2001 World Series MVP with the Arizona Diamondbacks

Curtis Montague Schilling (born November 14, 1966) is an American former Major League Baseball right handed pitcher and commentator for media outlet BlazeTV. He helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series appearance in 1993 and won championships in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in 2004 and 2007 with the Boston Red Sox, being named a co-winner of the World Series MVP in 2001. Schilling retired with a career postseason record of 11–2 and his .846 postseason winning percentage is a major-league record among pitchers with at least ten decisions. He is a member of the 3,000 strikeout club and has the highest strikeout-to-walk ratio of any of its inactive members. He is tied for second place all-time (with Randy Johnson and Nolan Ryan) for the most 300-strikeout seasons.

Quick Facts

Position: Pitcher
Bats: Right
Born: 14 November 1966
Birthplace: Anchorage, Alaska, U.S.
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 7
Debut year: 1988
Debut team: Baltimore Orioles

Lore & Background

During the 2001 World Series, Schilling was a key contributor, but he did not win the Roberto Clemente Award or the Branch Rickey Award that year. Luis Gonzalez won the Branch Rickey Award in 2001, and Craig Counsell won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2005.

Reader's Guide

Schilling was traded to the Diamondbacks on July 26, 2000, for first baseman Travis Lee and pitchers Vicente Padilla, Omar Daal, and Nelson Figueroa. With Arizona, he went 22–6 with a 2.98 ERA in 2001, leading the majors in wins and innings pitched. He also went 4–0 with a 1.12 ERA in the playoffs. In the 2001 World Series, the Diamondbacks beat the New York Yankees in seven games. Schilling was 1–0 in that World Series with a 1.69 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 21 innings, though he also allowed a go-ahead home run in the 8th inning of Game Seven. He shared the 2001 World Series MVP Award with teammate Randy Johnson.

Dominant Postseason Legacy

Curt Schilling retired with a career postseason record of 11–2, boasting an .846 winning percentage that stands as a major-league record among pitchers with at least ten decisions. His ability to elevate his game in October was the catalyst for three World Series titles: one with Arizona in 2001 and two with Boston in 2004 and 2007. In 2001, he went 1–0 in the World Series against the New York Yankees, striking out 26 batters in 21 innings while allowing a single run in Game Seven's eighth inning. His performance earned him co-MVP honors alongside Randy Johnson. This postseason dominance was not an anomaly; it defined his career, turning high-pressure elimination games into showcases of his control and resilience.

Philadelphia Era and Strikeout Mastery

Before joining Arizona, Schilling spent eight and a half years with the Philadelphia Phillies, his longest tenure with any team. After struggling in Baltimore and Houston, he flourished as the staff ace from 1992 to 2000. In 1997, he set the franchise single-season strikeout record with 319, breaking Steve Carlton's mark of 310. From 1997 to 1999, Schilling led or tied for the team lead in wins, complete games, shutouts, and ERA every season, averaging 16 wins annually despite the team never posting a winning record. His 1993 National League Championship Series performance against the Atlanta Braves earned him the NLCS MVP award; he recorded a 1.69 ERA with 19 strikeouts in two appearances, including striking out the first five batters of Game One.

Arizona Title and Statistical Elite Status

Traded to Arizona on July 26, 2000, Schilling instantly elevated the Diamondbacks' rotation. In 2001, he led the majors in wins (22) and innings pitched with a 2.98 ERA. His strikeout prowess was evident again in 2002 when he fanned 316 batters while issuing only 33 walks across 259+1⁄3 innings. That year, he threw a one-hit shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers with 17 strikeouts on April 7. His career totals place him among the elite: a member of the 3,000 strikeout club with the highest strikeout-to-walk ratio among inactive members and tied for third in history for 300-strikeout seasons. These metrics underscore his status as one of the most efficient and dominant pitchers of his generation.

Post-Baseball Ventures and Media Career

After retiring, Schilling founded Green Monster Games, which was renamed 38 Studios. The company released Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning in February 2012 but laid off its entire staff by May and declared bankruptcy in June. In media, he signed with the Howie Carr radio network for a Saturday morning show covering politics and sports. As a conservative voice, he joined Breitbart in 2016 and later became a commentator for BlazeTV. His transition from baseball to business and broadcasting has been marked by both high-profile releases and significant financial collapses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Curt Schilling?

Curt Schilling was an elite right-handed starting pitcher who joined the Arizona Diamondbacks just before their 2001 season. He quickly became a franchise icon by providing veteran leadership that helped transform the expansion team into immediate World Series contenders.

What role did Curt Schilling play for the Diamondbacks?

Schilling served as the fiery ace and primary starting pitcher, anchoring the rotation during the club's historic debut era. His presence was crucial in stabilizing the pitching staff and driving the team toward their first championship title.

What is Curt Schilling's most famous achievement with Arizona?

His crowning moment came in 2001 when he helped lead the Diamondbacks to their first World Series championship, famously starring in the 'Bloody Sock Game.' This performance cemented his legacy as one of the most important figures in the franchise's history.

Did Curt Schilling set any records while playing for Arizona?

Yes, during his tenure from 2001 to 2003, he demonstrated dominant form by leading the National League in strikeouts in 2002. This statistical feat highlighted his status as one of the league's most formidable pitchers during that period.