Last night, Curt Schilling was the lead off pitcher for the 6th game of the Red Sox against the Yankees. He had an operation to stitch the torn ligament to the bone in his ankle in order to play this very important game. Reebok had made him a special pair of support boots, so people expected to see those, but he was not wearing them. As they panned the camera to his right ankle, you could see the rather large spot of blood above his red sock. It was pretty amazing to see, and thrilling to know the effort he had put in to make sure he could pitch this game. No one is talking about the details of the operation, but he had them cut into and stitch his leg to make sure he would be there for his team. Now, that's something!
The Red Sox need every pitcher they can get, the Yankees are a great team too, and it is a battle to the finish. Neither club knows how it is going to go tonight. I predict that Red Sox WIN. It is time. We deserve it. We outplayed the Yankees the last three games, and we can do it again. Heart wins!
If nothing else, these playoff games have made me a big Curt Schilling fan. He is a truly great guy, and I like everything about him. He gives a great interview, is not pompous or silly, and he is still interesting. He wants to win and he said that being part of this team is "really special". He is special too. Even if he didn't play Everquest, I would like him, but that is just frosting on the cake. Curt Schilling knew that he was needed if we were going to win last night, and he pitched 7 terrific innings with a bleeding ankle. Wow. He is one courageous fella.
This morning the local Boston station had a short interview with his wife, dressed in a very handsome hat and scarf, out in front of Yankee Stadium last night after the game. She too was amazed at her husband's dedication, saying "I saw the stuff oozing out of his ankle this morning and I couldn't believe it."
This Red Sox team is really a team full of heart and guts, and the excitement is so overwhelming it is hard to watch the games. More than once I have hidden my face in my hands rather than watch the next pitch.
One more night of this. Go Sox!!!
