Here is Why:
- He has fewer wins than Mike Mussina.
- He never won a CY Young award.
- There has never been an instance where he was the best athlete on the field.
- He may be more remembered for his blogging (does that end when he retires?)
- But he does have more than 3,000 strikeouts.
- 3 years with 20 wins.
- And 3 world series titles.
- He has accomplished just enough to get him into the Hall of Fame.
Curt Schilling was never the best pitcher in the league in any given year, but he has been the most clutch. Not necessarily a fan favorite, Schilling spoke his mind too often to make any teams' fans completely comfortable with him. Even in Boston, where by delivering the world series title he could be considered a deity, most fans were uncomfortable when he opened his mouth.
Conversely, every fan was comfortable when Schilling came out to pitch in a big game. No matter what ups and downs he went through in the regular season, he would be in just about any fans top five pitchers that they would want out there to clinch their season. 11-2 in the post season on his career with and ERA of 2.23 will inspire that kind of confidence.
As much as it pains me to say this, as it will pave the path for Mike Mussina, Curt Schilling should be a lock to go into the Hall of Fame. Should this be his last season, he may not make it on the first ballot given the potential caliber of that hall of fame class. Schilling should be enshrined in Cooperstown within the first two years of eligibility as he has shown that he belongs.
