Today, former Phillies pitching great and current ESPN baseball analyst, Curt Schilling, has announced that he has been diagnosed with cancer. Originally set to be a part of Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts, Schilling's future is now set on battling this disease.
This isn't the first time health issues have arised for Schilling, who had surgery following a heart attack in 2001. In addition to that, his wife Shonda, battled stage 2 malignant cancer back in 2001. Currently 47 years old, Schilling pitched 20 seasons in Major League Baseball, including stints with the Phillies, Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Astros and Orioles.
"I've always believed life is about embracing the gifts and rising up to meet the challenges," Schilling said in a statement released by ESPN. "We've been presented with another challenge, as I've recently been diagnosed with cancer."
Schilling, who finished his big league career with a record of 216-146, is most well known for his dominant postseason performances. An 11-2 record that includes four complete games and a 2.23 ERA in 19 games in the postseason, Schilling played a large part in the D'Backs World Series win in 2001 and the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.
"With my incredibly talented medical team, I'm ready to try and win another big game. 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."
The six-time All-Star spent nine seasons in Phillies pinstripes, compiling a 101-78 record and 3.35 ERA. His 101 wins are sixth on the Phillies all-time list. Looking to be dealt to a contending team in 2000, the Phillies dealt him to the Diamondbacks for Travis Lee,Vicente Padilla, Omar Daal and Nelson Figueroa. He also took home NLCS MVP honors in 1993 with the Phils, posting a 1.69 ERA with 19 strikeouts against the Atlanta Braves. In August of 2013, he was inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame.
Curt Schilling retired in March of 2009.
Brandon Apter is a contributor to Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @ApterShock
