Schilling was signed as a free agent relief pitcher back in 1992 by Vancouver. The Iron Fist were struggling and looking to rebuild for 1993 and took a chance on some young hurlers like Schilling, Greg Maddux, and Greg Swindell. In Schilling's first DMBL season, he compiled a 15-9 record with a 2.95 ERA and 14 complete games. That season, Vancouver won their first of two consecutive championships. Being a relief pitcher the year before, Schilling wasn't ready for such a workload and ended up missing the entire 1994 season. Of course the strike took out the 1995 season so Schilling was well rested for the 1996 season. Schilling came back as new pitcher. After striking out a mere 143 in 226 innings in 1993, Schilling struck out 228 in 229 innings in 1996. In 1997, Schilling won 20 games for the first time, even though his ERA rose to 4.41 and helping Vancouver reach the World Series again. Unfortunately for him, they ended up losing this one. This would be Schilling's last full season in Vancouver because in June of 1998, he was part of a blockbuster deal that sent Schilling, along with Kenny Lofton and Dan Wilson to Arkansas in exchange for Javy Lopez, Ryan Klesko, and a bonanza of draft picks. Schilling led the Falcons to a championship over his former team in 1998, then again in 1999. Schilling probably enjoyed his best season in 2003, when he went 19-6 with a 2.90 ERA and 263 strikeouts, leading the Falcons to another championship, this time over the hated rival Newark Sugar Bears. For his efforts, Schilling won his first and only Ben McDonald Pitcher of the Year Award. In all, Schilling contributed to 4 World Series winners and was on the runner up five times. Schilling contributed a couple more solid seasons before missing the 2006 season. Schilling came back and pitched a partial 2007, appearing in only 16 games and finally pitched his last full season last season, going 13-10, with a 4.46 ERA for the Falcons.
Overall, Schilling is in very good company. He finishes his career with a 205-104 record. The wins are good enough for 5th all-time, just behind teammates Pedro Martinez (207) and Roger Clemens (211). His .671 winning percentage is good for second best. His 2553 career strikeouts are 4th all-time, once again behind Clemens and Martinez and the all-time leader Randy Johnson (3249). He has 402 career starts, plus 3 relief appearances, good enough for 5th all time. His 87 complete games are second only to Greg Maddux (100). He's 4th with 18 shutouts. His career ERA (3.97) and WHIP (1.26) are also in the top 10 all-time.
Thanks for the memories, Curt. We'll revisit you in 5 years!
1 comment :
Everyone knows that was ketchup on his sock when he pitched against the Sugar Bears in the 2003 Series... :)
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