Former Major League Baseball pitcher turned ESPN analyst Curt Schilling announced on Wednesday that he was diagnosed with cancer. Schilling has seemingly taken the news in stride and is determined to overcome this obstacle in his life.
"I've always believed life is about embracing the gifts and rising up to meet the challenges," Schilling said in a statement, according to ESPN. "We've been presented with another challenge, as I've recently been diagnosed with cancer."
Schilling was set to become ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball analyst for the upcoming season and just signed a multi-year deal but ESPN wasn't sure if he would still be in the broadcast plans following the horrible news.
"Our thoughts are with Curt and his family during this challenging time," the 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."
Shilling was a six-time All-Star and three-time World Series champion during his 20-year career in the MLB, and he pitched for the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox. He finished with a 216-146 record and a 3.46 ERA while his 3,116 strikeouts rank him 15th all-time.
Schilling also shined in the playoffs as the right-hander went 11-2 all-time in the postseason with four complete games and a 2.23 ERA, and he also was instrumental in helping the Red Sox end their World Series drought by notching Fall Classic wins in 2004 and '07. He also tasted championship glory with the Diamondbacks in 2001 when he shared MVP honors with fellow hurler Randy Johnson.
The Red Sox tweeted their support for Schilling on Wednesday.
"Sending heartfelt thoughts to Curt Schilling and his family during this difficult time," the organization tweeted.
Schilling admitted last year that he suffered a heart attack back in 2011 and his wife, Shonda Shilling, battled cancer back in 2001, ESPN reports.
"Shonda and I want to send a sincere thank you and our appreciation to those who have called and sent prayers, and we ask that if you are so inclined, to keep the Schilling family in your prayers," Schilling said in his statement via ESPN. My father left me with a saying that I've carried my entire life and tried to pass on to our kids: 'Tough times don't last. Tough people do.' Over the years in Boston, the kids at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have shown us what that means."
Schilling is optimistic that he'll be able to overcome this obstacle.
"With my incredibly talented medical team, I'm ready to try and win another big game," he said per ESPN. "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."
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