(Full Show) The Red Sox/Yankees Rivalry Made Curt Schilling the Player He Was
Sep 7, 2023
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Former professional baseball player Curt Schilling joins host Bret Boone to discuss their connection to Bret's grandfather, the evolution of food in baseball, Kurt's controversial status, flaws in the Hall of Fame system, lessons learned from baseball, earning buy-in and the interconnectedness of pitches, the impact of fans, Aaron Boone as a manager, and the split finger fastball.
Kurt Schilling attributes his career turnaround to pitching coach Johnny Padres during his time in Philadelphia.
The fans in Philadelphia played a crucial role in Schilling's career, providing an electric atmosphere and motivation for success.
Schilling reminisces about his special connection to Philadelphia, where he established his home and cherished the support of fans and teammates.
Schilling reflects on the intense Red Sox/Yankees rivalry, including the historic 2004 playoff comeback and the passionate atmosphere created by fans.
Deep dives
Traded to Philadelphia and the Passionate Philly Fans
After being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies, Kurt Schilling found a home in the city and developed a deep appreciation for the passionate Philly fans. He experienced the electric sports atmosphere that Philly is known for, being a fan of the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and Sixers. Schilling highlights how important it is to be a Philly fan, mentioning the love for water, cheesesteaks, and hoagies. He cherishes the memories and support he received from the fans during his time in Philly.
Transforming His Career in Philadelphia
When Kurt Schilling arrived in Philadelphia, he initially felt devastated after leaving the Orioles. However, he credits pitching coach Johnny Padres for turning his career around with one bullpen session. Schilling had a breakthrough year in Philly, leading the league in complete games and solidifying his place as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. He fondly remembers his time playing alongside the veteran core of the Phillies, and they went on to have a successful season in 1993. Schilling reflects on the tremendous impact the city and the fans had on his career during his almost 10-year tenure in Philadelphia.
The Power of Fans and Embracing Their Expectations
Kurt Schilling emphasizes the importance of fans in his career, recognizing their role in creating an electric atmosphere on game days. He explains that he always sought buy-in from his position players as he understood their significance in helping him secure victories. Schilling developed a level of trust and communication with his teammates and made them aware of their vital role in supporting his performance on the mound. By fostering this buy-in, he was able to extract maximum effort from his teammates, especially during challenging late-season games. Schilling acknowledges that the support and expectations of fans added an extra level of motivation for him as a player.
Reflecting on Philly as Home and Cherishing Memories
For Kurt Schilling, Philadelphia became a special place as it was where he established his home, bought his first house, and started his family. He fondly reminisces about the fans, referring to the city as home and cherishing their support. Despite not winning as much during his time in Philly, Schilling's strong connection with the fans and his teammates made the experience meaningful and something he will always hold dear. He expresses gratitude for the fans in Philadelphia, appreciating their impact on his career and life.
Kurt Schilling's Career and Pitching Strategy
Kurt Schilling discusses his career as a pitcher, mentioning his experiences in Arizona, Boston, and New York. He talks about negotiating his own contracts and the trade that brought him to Boston. Schilling also reveals his motivation for choosing to play for the Red Sox and how he negotiated a World Series bonus into his contract. He emphasizes the importance of friendship and camaraderie among teammates and reflects on the intense Yankees-Red Sox rivalry during his playing days. Schilling shares stories about facing hitters and the development of his split-finger fastball, which became a key pitch in his repertoire.
The Intensity of the Red Sox-Yankees Rivalry
Kurt Schilling discusses the intense rivalry between the Red Sox and the Yankees, highlighting the animosity and competitiveness that characterized their matchups. He recalls confrontation moments with Jason Varitek, as well as the passionate and vibrant atmosphere created by the fans. Schilling reflects on the miraculous comeback of the Red Sox in the 2004 playoffs, coming back from a 3-0 deficit against the Yankees and eventually winning the World Series. He also touches on the significance of the rivalry in baseball history and how it has evolved over time.
Observations on the Current State of Baseball
Kurt Schilling shares his observations on the current state of baseball and expresses his concerns about the focus on velocity and lack of pitching strategy among pitchers. He believes that many pitchers are simply throwing as hard as they can without enough focus on command and control. Schilling also comments on the shift in defensive alignments and the decline of fundamentals in the game. He mentions his involvement in the baseball podcasting world and shares his predictions for the future, including his belief that the Atlanta Braves are a strong contender for the World Series.
On today's episode, Bret Boone welcomes on 6x All-Star and 3x World Series Champ Curt Schilling on the show to discuss his connection to Bret's grandfather and what it means to the both of them, why the minor leagues today are much more glamorous than when they played, the amount of innings pitchers are playing today and more. Plus, we hear about Curt's playing days in Philadelphia, Boston and Arizona and just how much the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry means to him.
