Throwing Out the First Pitch
Mar 7th, 2007 by Curt Schilling
I’ve done it. I’ve caved and am actually taking the blog plunge. There’s no single reason for it, but over the life of this space we’ll touch on a few.
I’ve been called everything from outspoken to blowhard to much, much worse. I believe those labels spring out of the fact that I care about the things people ask me as much as any other cause. I’ve never been a yes/no kind of guy, which probably hasn’t been received well by some. I don’t know that I’ll be changing my style, but I do know that getting ripped for something I say here will be getting ripped for something I actually said–with the entire contents of my comments included.
That’s not to say I’ll be preaching from the pulpit–far from it. Being a major league baseball player does not give me keen insight into politics, education, or anything else for that matter. It does give me insight and knowledge about baseball, about being part of a team, about excelling at something not many people can. Beyond that my thoughts and beliefs are my own and for the most part pretty normal.
The truth is, I’ve been wrong as many times, if not more, than I’ve been right in my life. I guess that’s part of the human package, something that makes me every bit as prone to mistakes as anyone. Like every other male on the planet I think I’m well informed on a lot of things, which usually lasts until I run into someone else who thinks he’s well informed but has a different opinion.
Fortunately, I have zero problems being wrong. I don’t intend to make mistakes but it happens, which is part of the learning curve of life. I’m prone to having quick reactions which, in the world of baseball and media coverage–even when you might be right–can make you wrong.
I plan to chat about a myriad of topics as this blog evolves, from baseball, teams, players, and umpires, to the media, my family, and my past in and around the game, all the way to the electronic gaming industry and what I’ve seen, am seeing, and hope to see from 38 Studios in the future.
You can get here from the 38Studios.com web site and vice versa. I’m sure I’ll be sharing thoughts and memories of the company from the first days of the brainstorm through current events, but much of the intellectual property and the products we’re creating will remain under wraps. This isn’t the forum our company will use to get out the word.
I have an unbelievably great life. Blessed a million times over, I’m married to an incredible woman who turned her bout with cancer into a life-saving charitable organization. Please check out the link to The Shade Foundation.
I’ve got four amazingly beautiful and healthy children who love me when I’m not putting them in time out or punishing them. I worship the ground they walk on. Like everyone else I have good days and bad; being part of a family means that’s a given. My salary has zero bearing on my children’s health or how happy I am when I wake up in the morning, because my happiness is tied to the same thing as everyone else’s: my family. If they’re healthy and happy then I am.
I’m being paid $13 million a year to play the game I’ve spent my whole life playing, for a team with as rich a history as any team in professional sports, for the world’s most passionate, loyal, dedicated, and now non-suffering fans.
I’m hoping this little experiment turns into something productive. At some point in the future we’ll steer this more toward a Q&A forum where we can talk about baseball and other things that interest people.
Thanks for stopping by.
God Bless,
Curt
Next up: Spring Training 2007
Kudos for enabling comments. Cool to see you encouraging feedback and discussion with such a high profile as yours.
Hope to see some exciting stuff from 38 studios, and this blog.
I like, I like. (although I won’t tell you exactly what baseball team I’ve been a fan of for most my life
Curt, welcome to the blogosphere. I just started a blog on MMO gaming and it’s exciting to see people want to hear what you have to say. Now, I don’t have as much “face” in the media. And by not as much, I mean zero. And by zero, I mean that I’m just an average guy.
However, having a forum to share your thoughts and ideas on something you love is more than refreshing.
I wish you the best of luck and I will be visiting frequently! Unfortunately, my MMO blog is on Blogger so you won’t find me here!
G.L. with 38 too… I’m watching the headlines about your company as I am greatly excited!
Fully agreed. Looking forward to the updates in all their formats, as a fan of both baseball and the MMO line of games.
Great start!!!
Curt,
Thanks for starting this blog. I wish that more players were “blowhards,” or whatever your detractors want to call it. The fact is that there are millions of people, both inside Red Sox Nation and in the MMO community that want to hear the things you have to say.
The fact that you’ve taken the initiative to provide us with a conduit to get that information straight from the (work)horse’s mouth speaks volumes about why so many people have suggested you take your influence and analytical style beyond baseball, in to business, politics and other public ventures.
As a southern NH based Red Sox fan, and an avid MMO player (WoW mostly), I’ll certainly be adding your blog to my daily reading.
DDC
Should be fun, fasten your seatbealts!
Hi Curt, great to see you blogging. Best of luck this season with the Sox!
Curt, I’m thrilled to see you finally blogging. As much as I’ve always enjoyed listening to your opinions, I love that fact that you’re willing to accept when your wrong and continue a lively discussion. Professional sports need more folks like you, who don’t avoid speaking out in fear of being misquoted.
As a video game professional, I’m intrigued by what your developing with 38 Studios. It’s great to see more game development in Boston. I moved away years back because the industry was on the west coast, and I’m thrilled to see it on the east.
And, just like everyone else, please let me extend by belated thanks for ‘04. You made my then-86-year-old grandfather cry like a baby with joy, and for that I will be forever in the debt to you and your 24 teammates.
Good luck with the blog. I’m sure you (and we readers) will have a lot of fun with it this season.
Curt, I cannot thank you enough for the happiness you’ve brought to me and all Red Sox fans, even when it meant risking your own health (ankle 2004). Great start to the blog, I look forward to reading about all topics especially what you have to say about baseball and the online gaming world, in which the everyday drama can be quite entertaining far beyond what anyone would expect from a video game.
Good luck pitching this season, and I have no doubts that you will prove this Red Sox management is making a big mistake in not offering you a contract beyond 2007. I have been following the business side of baseball for years, plan to get an MBA in sports management, and I have been very disappointed in the recent decisions this management has made capped off with the decision on your contract. Again, thank you, good luck, and I’ll be reading your blog regularly.
Rob - Cape Cod, MA
Schilling,
Bloody sock notwithstanding, you talk too much. Its that simple.
Shut up and pitch. And take this stupid web site down.
Welcome to the world of blogging Curt. Can’t say I’m surprised by this move; I think it was inevitable for one who enjoys communicating, and you seem to be geared toward tech.
I don’t think any serious fan reads CHB with anything beyond amusement. There are far better recorders and pundits of MLB and the Sox, imho.
Looking forward to an interesting year for the Sox. You’ve looked pretty good so far in ST. Beckett looks like he’s improved, and hopefully the closer situation will resolve by Opening Day. Best wishes to you and the team for a great season.
And as a shameless self-plug: http://www.thejeffhowe.blogspot.com/
Cheers, Jeff
theo44,
Simple solution is to not come here and read it
Pretty sure no one made you click the link to come here.
As a Red Sox fan and a mmorpg geek, what a treat this is. I enjoy your weekly chat on weei, which usually gives me some insight on the game from a players view or just a good laugh. I am surprised that it did take you this long to start a blog, but I guess your frequent post on sosh could count. Good Luck with the sox this year(and hopefully next) and 38 studios!!
Congrats on the new blog, Curt. Can’t wait to hear what you have to say and looking forward to seeing you pitch at the Fens
Good luck this year! It’ll be nice to have an outlet that doesn’t have the filter of the Boston sports media. I’ll be sure to check in here when drama starts up this season for a less sensationalized report. Thanks for setting this up - keep up the good work!
Nice. Good luck with this, and good luck with the season.
This is great, since I’ve given up reading Boston sports writers and well, pretty much anyone but Gammons.
I have a good feeling about this year and not just because I’m ticket rich this year.
Right on! Who needs the media when we can get it right from the horse’s mouth (no offense)?
Big Schill,
I can’t believe a professional athlete actually has the guts to blogg. I guess there are still a few of you that do recognize not all of your fans feel the way the writers or radio hosts do and actually respect all you have brought to being a Red Sox fan. I respect the way you carry yourself and will let my kids know I was lucky enough to watch you pitch us to a World Series a true “man of his word”. Thanks for being real will be adding this blog to my favorites ASAP.
Forget the nay sayers you actually understand the real fan.
Welcome to the blogosphere. While I get a big laugh out of the Bull Durham quotes to the press scene, in real life, I’d really rather hear an honest opinion every once in a while. (Whether I agree with them or not.) I’ll be bookmarking your blog. Have fun with it.
First of, thank you Curt for giving us the opportunity of interacting with an athlete of your magnitude in such direct way.
As far as speaking your mind, I’d rather have it your way ’cause even if I don’t agree with everything you have to say, at least I know you’re saying what you’re thinking and not the cliche-filled, pre-fabricated BS we hear from some athletes.
Insight is good. Good luck in ‘07.
[quote]Simple solution is to not come here and read it
Pretty sure no one made you click the link to come here.[/quote]
That solution NEVER works (I’ve been trying that one for years …
Oh, and Ryan made me do it.
Welcome Curt. This is definitely going to be one of my morning stops while I sit at my desk waiting for the work to roll in. I see it only took 10 comments to get the first “Anti-Curt” guy…yikes. Consider me a regular. Enjoy!
PS…Damn that Ron Borges.
Nice one Curt,
I am a fan of your candor. Keep it up and win us another one will ya! I wonder how the curly head boyfriend is doing right now? Oh that’s right he’s reading this! hahahaha
“I’m being paid $13 million a year to play the game I’ve spent my whole life playing, for a team with as rich a history as any team in professional sports, for the world’s most passionate, loyal, dedicated, and now non-suffering fans.”
I felt a little suffering last year Curt with the way the season ended, I am NOT going to lie
Finally got a job where I would be able to watch EVERY SINGLE PLAYOFF game unlike 2004 when I was working during EVERY SINGLE PLAYOFF game haha You will just have to find a way of making it up to me this year, hopefully no bloody sock will be involved but I am hoping for the same result (im not a fan of blood even your blood haha)
~Marsh
Note to those of you who don’t like Curt and want to let the world know on this blog: Your comments will be allowed on the site, but the second there is a cuss word or something that is outright offensive to some, it will be nuked. Some people don’t like seeing that kind of stuff.
I think its funny that a pro athlete’s blog is juts as crappy as mine. Schilling should shut his mouth and listen to Tek. That’s a recipe for success right there
Well Curt, I commend you on this. This is exactly what the city needs and the media is going to have a field day with this. (Borges, when you return in two months-please don’t cut-n-paste anything off of this Ken Powers style).
CHB’s computer is burning up right now as he is ripping this idea up for tomorrow’s BG print.
Again, Curt… congradulations and thank you for putting yourself out there for us like you do~~~!!!!
Favorite moment of the ‘93 series: The shot of you in the dugout with the towel over your head. I was doing the same thing in my living room in the suburbs of Philadelphia.
Best of luck, Curt.
Also, I’d like to say thanks as well. While not a baseball fan (meh, not much of a sports guy beyond my days of professional skateboarding), I’m a big fan of all the work you’ve done with ALS, as well as (obviously) GMG/38 Studios.
And even more of a fan in how you are willing to interact on such a personal level with fans (I remember well you showing up at Bobs board, though doing so just opened the doors to possible “attacks).
Keep up the great work.
Good move-
The voice of the players and orginazations has been filtered through the bottleneck of very few outlets, some of which tell less than whole story. It’s good to have the hope (if only one) of the opportunity to hear the musings from the other side, the side that actually goes out there and performs.
Sure, many people don’t agree fully with some of the things you have to say, and I’m among those that occasionally cringes, but I’d rather hear a few things I disagree with than not hear anything at all. Silence is complicity, and many players haven’t taken the steps to communicate directly with the fans, when so many would benefit from such a simple step, such as this one that you have endevoured.
Best of luck with the blog, I hope it provides you with the tool you’re looking for.
Oh, and GO RED SOX!!!
Curt,
I am a yankee fan and obviously do not root for you when you pitch. However, I will root for you as a blogger. I think it’s great that you are willing to share your thoughts (regardless of how much I disagree with them, or generally want you to fail at your day job).
Hope you have a horrible season, but good luck with your blog.
Curt…good luck in the blogging world…a Senate seat from New England one day????
“Ol Blood n Sox” did in my Yankees(twice’01 and ‘04) and I’ll never forgive u for that…
but ur a great competitor and I look forward to the Empire doing battle w/u up at the Stadium…
j
Curt…welcome to the blog-o-sphere. Between you and Bradford, we’ve been treated to some elite company this spring. I’ve added you to the Red Sox Times blogroll.
Tim
http://www.redsoxtimes.com
hey Curt, Great blog. I just wanted to say I’m a huge fan and thank God every day for bringing you to the Red Sox to help us capture our first WS title since 1918. You have made more people happy than you know. Keep up the good work and good luck with the season.
-Matt
Oh - and PS, go with your gut.. if Tek feels a fastball is great there and you’re thinking .. anything but the fastball.. stop.. think.. and go with your gut. thats what I always do whenever I feel conflicted.. STAGG, i like to call it.. Stop, Think and Go with your Gut =)
God bless!
This is a great idea Curt! Much better to read your opinions firsthand than to have them filtered & distorted by some sports “writer”.
Best of Luck for an amazing 2007 season. I’ll be at all your games in Seattle this year.
Just Win, Baby.
Hey Mr. Schilling. I just wanted to say hello and I look forward to checking out your site frequently. Also, next time your on EEI could you tell those guys to get entercom to look at their applications for interns. Ha, thanks.
-Ben
Welcome to the Blogosphere Mr. Schilling. Hopefully, you will enjoy this as much as I do.
Hopefully your site will spur Manny to update his, although not likely. How’s the Japanese coming? Thanks for reaching out to the fans, much appreciated.
Curt, Thanks for this !
I wish you nothing but the best this season…We may not always share the same political view…but I certainly support your pitching abilities…hope you’re throwing for the Sox for many seasons to come !
Rock on
Hello and Thanks for the blog Curt! As professional athletes go, you are a breath of fresh air. I love that you speak your mind and are open with the media and fans……not to mention you delivered the goods! I look forward to you insight.
Looking forward to reading this as the season progresses. I’m hoping you have 24 hr mod’s as I’m sure there will be plenty of people that will attempt to deface the blog.
I’m also interested in how much you will “pull back the curtain” on day to day life in professional baseball. I hope you can get your message out on you and your families other intersts too.
Good luck with the Red Sox in 2007 and after wherever that maybe.
Great idea with the blog, Curt. I wish the Sox had signed you to an extension, but that’s life. Good luck in the upcoming season.
Thanks for adding to the Blogosphere, Curt. I have bookmarked your blog since I find your first entries quite interesting.
I also find the commenting interesting - gives me a view into your life of hassles as a result of your celebrity status. People actually think you will remember talking to them or you will give to their charity, etc. Fascinating and I am sorry you and other players have to deal with it - Manny comes to mind especially
I wish Manny could just be Manny and appreciate that he is a mellow relaxed guy and that is a main reason why he is so successful.
Anyhow, hope you can keep it up. I have started a blog a few times, found it interesting for a while, then dropped it due to hassle. Hopefully, you can just report whatever is in your head and not think of it as a hassle - we are all so interested!
This is fun, I get to ask a baseball player a question. (takes deep breath)
Curt,
Lets say Theo quits for a few months again and you’re named interim player/GM. Cashman calls you up and proposes Johnny Damon for Covelli Crisp and offers to cover the difference in salaries; do you pull the trigger?
Thanx!
Mister D.
Hello.
Hey Curt,
I’ve never had a chance to thank anyone in the org for ‘04, so thanks for giving me the opportunity. Thanks. A lot. We’re on opposite sides of the street politically, but that could never detract from my admiration of your spirit and skills.
Thanks for the insight into this year’s team. I’m optimistic. I do have a dilemma though. Although I admire Wake very much, I’ve lost confidence in his ability to be an effective starter. Too many three-run homers. So, if Papelbon is indeed going to be in the rotation along with Dice-K, Josh, and yourself, I think the Sox need to do some soul searching in regard to the fifth starter and Wakefield’s place on the team. If Lester has an effective spring, he’s the guy. He’ll rise to the occasion and will benefit from the internal competition and tutelage. If he needs some time in Pawtucket, I’d like to see the Sox commit to Tavarez as the fifth starter. I like his fire and can imagine a scenario where his loose cannon tendencies could be reigned in by demanding teammates. At any rate, I hope the Sox give serious consideration to using Wake for long relief and spot starting.
Man, I hope you finish your career in Boston. Please be as flexible as you can in working with Theo and the front office. I hope the organization, in kind, makes you a fair offer. Have a great year and be well.
Skip
i have no clue what a blog is but here goes.
curt family is what it’s all about .you have my respect for that. fans are why you can get 13 million. talking like this is wonderful for kids to here your views. talking like this will also atract wierdos that just love to ride guy’s like you. but it’s great that your blogging or whatever you call it. good luck
Pushing for JAMES EDWARD RICE #14 to be voted into the Hall of Fame and for his #14 to be retired.
What do you think?
Curt,
I am heading down to Ft. Myers with my two boys, ages 5 and 8. What can I say to grab your attention so they can get an autograph? Of course, their favorite players are Tek, you, David, and Manny.
What do you think about Clemens coming back? As a Sox fan for 37 years, only a Sox World Championship with Clemens in a Sox uniform will fully erase the pain of 1986. Thank you for 2004.
I am hoping that you get off to a great start so the front office will give you the guarantee for 2008. Good Luck.
Jim Ed
You might want to do us fans a favor. While you in the club house may be a little miffed at Manny’s actions, he has stated time and again that this is who he is. Maybe, we should let it be and watch him hit his 30/120/.300 I know the fans don’t really give a hoot. Baseball isn’t fair, but what is? Everybody just has to earn their spot.
Thanks for your time.
Yay!
thank you so much for what you have done for the fans of Boston.I appreciate everything you have done on the field and off. i support als 100% keep up the good work and bring us another world series. good luck GO RED SOX
Curt….thanks for caring and keeping your fans in the loop.
It would be nice if the media would show all of the positive press, like this site, instead of wasting their time trying to put negative spins on anything that happens.
I certainly hope everything in your life works out for the best (i.e your family remaining happy) so that you can finish your career with the Sox.
You define the term, determination.
I am from the South and you certainly have some southern hospitality in your blood, it shows by you taking the time to create a blog for your fans.
I am looking forward to reading your site every morning, today is my birthday and I think this is a great birthday present. Thanks !!
Good Luck !!
Wow.
A premier athlete in a major sport opening an interactive blog and actually replying in the comments section?
I wish more of your peers were willing to open up like this with their fans. I just hope you don’t get so disgusted by trolls that you stop.
To say I’m looking forward to commenting on posts left by a certified Red Sox legend would be an understatement, heh. I’m excited like a little kid.
Oh, and by the way, Mr. Schilling… WoW > EQ2.
/duel flag
Curt - xcellent job here….keep up the good work. I don’t understand the front office thinking with the contract extension, but stay on the high road.
Prove them wrong and keep the world series last out ball.
Curt,
This could be huge for the fans of baseball. No better way for you to get the pulse of the fans, then here in the trenches of Red Sox Nation. I think most fans appreciate your strait forward no bull aproach. Personally,for good, bad or indifferent, your candor will always be what makes Curt Schilling so appealing to the average working class person.
Never Change!!
hillary clinton is throwing out the first pitch this year at the home opener.
Curt - you’re awesome! Best of luck and health to you and the entire rest of the greatest team in the world.
2007 is the year. red sox world series champs, u beezies. yadidididmean? ohboy. pitching staff is off the meters this year. seriously though; schilling, dice k, papleboner, lester, becket, timlin, wake, and imagine hansen and becket are on point too? unstoppable. hopefully like barrack obama in 08.
Thanks for 2004 and all the rest, you helped win the biggest victory in the history of sports, period, and delivered immense joy and satisfaction to so many of my family, and a bunch of friends also. Good luck with the blog.
Now, please tell Varitek not to call for so many outside fastballs in a row, so a guy like Damon can fould them off and drive your pitch count through the freakin’ roof! I know you more or less work off the outside fastball, but at times last year it was ridiculous. I read you’ve got a change now, that’s going to help, no?
Buy you a beer if we ever cross paths. Be nice to Dice-K.
This is outstanding! No need to rely on the likes of Shaughnessy or the blowhards on WEEI for Red Sox news. Yet another reason to be thankful for #38.
Game 1 of the 2004 ALCS. I had been busting my ass all day working on my new house. All I wanted to do that night was sit down in front of the tube with my dinner and watch you make 50,000 fans from New York shut up. At 8:05 p.m., I hit the couch with my meal and the TV in front of me. Within minutes, my 1-year-old son had vomitted all over my wife and our couch, and you had metaphorically vomitted all over my dreams for how the game would turn out. I ended up having a much different night than the one I had been anticipating, and, I daresay, so did you.
Who would have believed how things would have turned out? Who would have believed you’d have risen to the occasion the way you did in Game 6? I still get chills just thinking about it. You, and the rest of the ‘04 Sox, gave us the greatest seven-game series ever played, and topped it off with a World Series victory. I am so thrilled it happened in my lifetime.
Two words: Thank you.
Yeah Curt, tell it like it is.
Curt
I would like to compliment you first and foremost for the priorities you have set in life. Being an a huge Baseball fan (Red Sox) all my life I really appreciate seeing and hearing about the Pros that try and put there best foot forward for the fans. But when the game is over there is nothing like going home to your family to either share in your Joy or to support you in defeat.
David
I look forward to reading your blog and asking you questions from time to time on baseball issues. Thanks for 2001.
Curt
This is great. I miss your family good health and I think giving back in this forum can be more informative than in an interview session with written and video media. As long as the team in 07 stays healthy no reason another banner goes. Good Luck Ace. Keep the blogs going.
Look forward to seeing a great performance this year. Also want to personally thank you for all the work you do for ALS patients- it means a lot to my family.
-Brian
Hey Curt,
As an avid baseball and technology professional, I’ve taken great interest in your venture into the gaming industry with 38 Studios, as well as now your new blog. I think that it’s not only a great way for pro athletes like yourself to communicate with fans, but it also serves as a great example of how technology and mostly the internet is changing the face of media. If anything, it makes you and fellow pro athletes seem less removed from the fans, and accessible. Anyway, good idea Curt. BTW, is 38 studios doing anything at the Game Developers Conference this week in SF? I’ll have to check it out…
Also just have to say thanks for ‘04. I’ve never seen so many people so happy and excited as that October night in the streets of Boston. You guys really showed what “team” means by coming back down 3-0 and winning 8 in a row. One of the most unbelievable things I’ve ever seen.
– Adrian (http://baseballnuggets.com)
sorry - meant to write - “I wish your family good health.
Wow, it’s not often that an actual player is willing to share insight on the game from their perspective. So kudos to you Curt for doing so. Very cool.
I’m not even a Red Sox fan, but as a baseball fan, I’ll be adding to this to my bookmarks.
Curt,
As usual you are on the cutting edge. Refreshing to have a professional athlete who is very open about what he thinks. I wondering how long it will take Shaughnessy to put this into one of his articles?
Best of luck this season! Looks like the Sox have a rotation of three or four 20 game winners.
Hey Curt -
We all in Boston would like to thank you for being a professional on and off the field. Few have taken to a cause such as Curt’s Pitch for ALS with the drive and determination that you have. I have been a fan of yours since your days in Philly and appreciate all that you have done for the city of Boston and the pitching staff of the Red Sox. Guys like Beck and Pap need a mentor like you or Wake who has been in the game for a bit to show them the ropes of MLB baseball that only a pro can. I really hope you re-think your decision to become a free agent this off-season although I can understand your wishes to have a contract resolution before the season starts. Boston needs their spokesperson Curt, and I and many others think that you are the man for the job. I firmly believe that Theo, Larry and John want to work something out and even if you decide to leave, we will always welcome you home to Boston as our champion both on and off the field. Best wishes for a very successful 2007 and I look forward to seeing you on NESN and perhaps live. Thanks again Curt and good luck.
- Bill
Welcome to the blogsphere, Curt. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this year’s team and really, really impressed that you kept comments enabled.
Enjoy the rest of spring training!
Dear Mister Massachusetts,
Two questions:
1) I love our new second baseman!! Do you think Dusty’s spunk will inspire the team to greater heights, like Eckstein with the Cardinals?
2) Speaking of Everyone’s Favorite World Series MVP, he’s a free agent after next season, Lugo played a little third last year, and we’ll need a new third baseman. . . . How awesome would it be for us to sign Eckstein and have him and Pedroia up the middle?? Maybe their combined grit and hustle could motivate Manny to run out a ground ball!! LoLoL!!
Thanks for being the best and giving us that totally awesome scouting report on Pineiro!!
DEHSHC
Curt
Thanks for the blog. Should be full of info. You are a dying breed. Smart and
articulate, alot of help to us fans wanting to know whats going on behind the scenes.
Glad you’ve been around for us!!! Love u to death!!!
Just want to say good luck this year and hopefully you and the Sox can come to some sort of deal! I’d hate to see you go!
Curt,
Welcome to the Blogosphere. I’m really excited about this season and have very high hopes for another trip to the World Series. That would be so awesome. 2004 meant the world to me, a 3rd generation die-hard Sox fan. My father, born in 1920 and died in 2002 never got to see the Sox win in his lifetime, but he never ever gave up. We went to the parade and when the ducks passed us by, I wept tears of joy for the win, and tears of sadness that a man could live and entire lifetime and never feel such joy.
I’m psyched to read an unfiltered (hopefully) account of the inner workings of the Sox. I hope as you get more comfortable with blogging that you’ll give us some of the inside scoops that we just never get to hear.
We’ll never agree on politics, but we’ll always have baseball!
Good luck this year, and keep healthy! I wish I could say I’ll see you in Boston, but it’s been years since I could afford a ticket to Fenway. I doulbt I’ll ever get to set foot in that ballpark again, but my heart will always be with the Sox.
i think the time has come - YOU MUST PURCHASE TV38 from WBZ!!!
CURT -
Great stuff, ‘mate. Two QUESTIONS for ye:
#1) I used to think the Gyroball stuff was myth and truly never gave it any credence…until yesterday when actual MAJOR LEAGUE PITCHERS for the first time saw Dice-K pitching and “claimed” to see the Loch-ness Monster…I mean famed Gyroball. I admit that regardless of whether or not it exists…simply getting into the heads of a ML Batters will only benefit Dice-K (not necessarily in the long-run, of course). SO my question: From the perspective of a long-established ML Pitcher…..Do *you* think it’s real? Can you give us your perspective on this incredible phenomena????
#2) I give you great kudos for living out your faith without compromise. I am an up and coming Multi-Millionaire Entrepreneur and eventual Filmmaker who is a Christian first and foremost…and enjoy being the Light amongst a dark world. My question for you - don’t you think it’s more publicly accepted to be a Christian in Professional sports nowadays than even 5 or 10 years ago??
Thanks ‘mate - and we’ll see you on the Mountaintop!
CoreyW
Great to see you joined the bloggers of the world. I usually agree with what you have to say, but not always for sure. Keep being outspoken, too many people go into a shell and don’t say what they mean.
As an aside, I was wondering if you are checking out any of the new MMO’s out there. I run a fansite for one of them and would love to have you stop by for a visit. In one of your future posts, let us know what you are playing (besides baseball.)
Thanks!
Hello again, Curt. You may not remember me, but we had an e-mail correspondence going for a while when you were with the Diamondbacks. I did some sabermetric analysis of your performance in various situations, particularly pitch counts.
At that time you were so intent on throwing a first pitch strike that, when the batters managed to put the ball in play, they were hitting over .400 off you. It’s good to see you got that problem solved: since leaving Arizona, you’ve brought that down to a very respectable .333. But now you need to be more careful with your 1-0 pitches; they’ve hammered those at a .385 clip the last 3 years.
Anyway, if you’re still interested, I’d like to share a few more observations with you in the future. Like the following: Do you know which position in the batting order has given you the most trouble since you went to the AL? Would you believe it’s the #9 spot? That’s right; the bottom of the order has been hitting you at a .291 clip. Only the #3 batters have come close to that (.285); everybody else is below .275. Didn’t anybody tell you that you don’t get to face pitchers in that other league? Just kidding.
It’s good to hear from you again. Here’s hoping you have another good season. And who knows? Maybe you’ll finish your career out here in the desert, just like your co-MVP, The Big Unit. Wouldn’t that be interesting?
James M.
Curt,we need you in Boston.All Boston knows it,especially Theo and company.Here they are “entertaining” signing Roger for maybe a half year and slighting you? Talk about shear folly.You have many a good pitch left in your arsenal…..hang in there,all good things are heading your way
Curt
Hope this thing turns out well and does not turn into some kind of monster. If your open to questions I’ve got a couple:
What’s your take on this gyro ball?
Has you view on Bush and the Iraq War changed over the last couple of years?
Best Wishes,
Bernie
Kurt - The Sox are crazy not to sign you an extension now! You are one of the great leaders of the team. They need to look at the intangible qualities that you have which is your dedication, focus, honesty, dedication, and fearless attach of the truth!
Keep your chin up, Back straight, and kick some ASS!
-Christian
Is it true that you play Everquest (evercrack) alot?
-Christian
Curt,
Good going. I’m sure this takes valuable time out of your life that you could be doing other stuff but you make yourself accessible to us… very cool. With the good stuff you do for others and the role model you are as a human being, I’m proud to be a member of the same human race as you. thanx,
al
Hey Curt -
This is excellent. Now I don’t have to listen to your comments as they get mangled and processed by the insane Boston sports media.
Look, you’re a human being man - even if you are one that makes $13 million a year - you still live and breathe AND HAVE OPINIONS like everyone else. I always feel like you’re kind of duck and covering when you lob an opinion out there. Just because you’re famous doesn’t give everyone else the right to marginalize you as “just a baseball player.”
If you have something to say about politics, religion or the cost of ham at the supermarket, you have as much right as any of us (even Johnny from Burger King, right Foulkie?) to express your feelings. Sure, there’s a measure of responsibility that comes with fame, but you’ve managed that avenue well with charitable causes and the like.
This is a bold - a really bold - move. Not many “celebrities” out there want to break down the wall between fame and the people who make them famous, and I haven’t seen anyone in such a position express themselves so eloquently. I look forward to reading what you have to say, and I do hope you remember to be at least a little unapologetic about your feelings on things.
You’re entitled, just like the rest of us.
Curt,
I think this is great! I may not agree with your politics but I love your approach to baseball, your commitment to family and community and I love the Sox. I will be an active participant on your Blog. I disdain the media’s obbession with all things Red Sox. I wish we could talk about the game only. I don’t care what Frank in Gloucester or Gerry Callahan and especially TRHGF have to say! I watch the games. It will be fun to hear right from you on game situations, etc. Thanks for this!
Danno in RI
Hi Curt,
This blog is like a breath of fresh air, when you consider 99% of everything
we “hear” from you is filtered, or distorted, by the media. I’ve heard many reporters call you an intelligent, thoughtful person, and I can see that now, after reading only a few entries into your blog. I’m sorry if I don’t readily believe everything that comes from the media!
I’m very excited for this coming season. As usual, you guys look great on paper. There are obvious weaker spots to the team, but every team has them. I fully expect you guys in the starting rotation to have a great year, which will help the weakest link, the bullpen.
I hope your gaming company does well. We could use more software businesses, especially gaming companies, on the East Coast. I’m an avid PC gamer myself… and a software programmer for GE *hint, hint, wink, wink*.
At any rate, good luck with everything!
-Jay
Thanks for this glimpse into who you really are, C.
You seem to still know how to live life to the fullest, and give back to the community. You use your celebrity status for good, and not personal gain … Thanks for being a member of the Red Sox.
Here’s to a winning 2007 Season !
G38,
I thought it was great that you would post from time to time on SOSH, it’s even better now that you’ve started your own blog. It’s nice that I can actually read comments straight from the athlete himself instead of these agenda driven beat writers. I wish more athletes would do that.
Now that you’ve become a blogger, may be you should tell Gerry Callahan that not everyone who blogs must be some kind of loser hiding in his parents’ basement. It’s really annoying to hear people like him spewing nonsense like that all the time.
Lastly, good luck this season.
Great idea! I’ve been trying to figure out a way to communicate with you since you logged onto the internet after signing in 2003. Words can never express the gratitude we feel towards you. The Dunkin Donuts commercial said it all — ane you delivered (along with Keith Foulke, who I now have newfound respect for after his retiring before spring training, thus losing a lot of money)/
I like Shaughnessy’s writing, but he needs to look up the definition of blowhard. I believe it is a person who mouths off without knowledge of much. I’m pretty sure this doesn’t apply to you. One of my favorite Curt lines is (I was unaware that my profession would not allow me to have opinions (something like that)/
You and your family have been an increidble additon to th Boston andNew Hampshire (particularly Manchester youth) communities. Sure hope you’re here next year. If not I think the new ownership would lose a lot ot the goodwill they’ve worked so hard to earn.
Thank you again. I’ve been going to Fenway since it was a pretty empty park you could get into for fifty cents on Ladies Day (every Wednesday). Seats behind the dugout were 2.75. Last year with the help of a scalper I was able to take my grandaughter to her first game as my mother had taken me. It was a thrill. Saw you, but only in the dugout. It was fun watching Tavares pitch. I wonder if it was as much fun for the veteran infielders having him show them where to throw the ball.
Curt, great stuff! And when you’re on the mound, RSN smiles. WE LOVE YOU!!!!
I think this is great Curt!
I have been a Diehard redsox fan my whole life.
Finally we have won a world series,with help from you.
I thank you and ignore the idiots who leave negative comments from there mothers basements where they live.
I look forward to watching you and the rest of the Redsox this upcoming season bring home another one.
Artie
Schil,
Super excited for the upcoming season. I grew up in Mass. but have lived in Ft Myers for the last 14 years…..Thanks for saying it like it is and giving us some real insight, unlike most of the safe standard comments we get from today’s athletes. (Remember though, when writing numbers, “one thru ten” are spelled out 11 and up take numerical form. ie: one, two, three, 14, 15, 16 etc.)
Last Man Standing, Ft Myers, Fl.
Curt,
thanks for the unforgetable father and son moment you gave me and my 9 year old son Ben when you stopped your car in basically a dark alley, to talk to him and sign his baseball. It was a week ago, and still all he talks about…especially when you asked him if he were a yankee fan…I think you do actually know how much it means to kids like him. Thanks!
Hey Curt. This is awesome.
I look forward to reading your thoughts and opinions and getting them straight from the source without the editing and inserted bias of some newspaper writer.
Great job.
I feel that with sites like yours, we are truly beginning to see the end of the ‘old media’.
Curt - I can’t thank you enough for sharing your thoughts through this blog.
The Red Sox bring us all lots of joy (and sometimes pain) but through it all, we love this team, players, & the city!
I am concerned you will have many unsavory bloggers post useless rhetoric here so not sure if you have any way of filtering that garbage out since it will waste your readers time. We want to hear what others have to say but if gone un-moderated, it may become a drag…just my 2 cents.
You & the gang looked solid in Spring Training! Stay healthy and best of luck!
Go Sox!
-Chris
Welcome Curt!
I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Good luck with the upcoming season as well as your new business venture.
Curt
Thanks for all you have done for my team of the last 52 years. I am going to Fenway for the Yankees series June 1,2 and 3. Hope to see you there since I am going on the Destination package. Would love to have you sign my baseball.
Bill
Curt,
Interesting post…I like listening to what you have to say, although I confess that I don’t always agree with you. I’m a big fan of yours, although I also have to say that I was more than a little disappointed with your public lobbying for a contract. I wasn’t bummed out with the lobbying for the contract. I get that…this is your job and your legacy. The part I didn’t get was that you didn’t seem to really demonstrate that you really wanted it or that you were justified in demanding it considering the shape (or lack thereof) that you showed up in.
With the signing of Daisuke and Josh Beckett (hopefully) due to bounce back after a terrible year, I would have thought that the competitive spirit in you would have pushed you to come into camp in top shape and razor sharp. Neither one of those seems to have happened. Dude, your legacy and HOF chances are kind of dependent on what happens over the next couple of years. Why jeopordize it with coming in to camp so clearly out of shape? I don’t get that…it doesn’t seem to match up with the Curt Schilling that I have come to really enjoy watching over the years. I’m a Sox fan, but I’m a baseball fan first. I loved watching you pitch in Philly and Arizona. I was eccstatic when I saw that you were coming to the Sox. You not only lived up to some ridiculous expectations, but you exceeded them. And now you risk your legacy by giving it a half assed effort with your physical conditioning and then throwing these comment around about you not getting your due.
I don’t think that you’ll read this, but if you do I want you to know that I have tremendous respect for you, and you tossed a ball to my son and you have no idea how much he idolizes you. I can think of no other guy that I would want my son to emmulate, except for this year. I live in Albuquerque, but I get to see about 10 to 20 Sox games a year, and it’s always a rush when I get to see you pitch. Selfishly, I’d like to see that for a couple more years. If you do read this, I hope that you find this comment to be fairly representative of baseball fans…even my Yankee fan friends are puzzled by you this year. C’mon, Curt. Do your thing. Play your game…don’t be like every other athlete here. You can get back into shape and if Clemens can do it, I like your chances to do it as well. My sons and I are rooting for you to be the exceptional person and player that you have been in the past.
Curt,
I admire you for speaking out and being yourself in a world where so much of what we hear sounds/is so scripted. You have never been afraid to be real and true to yourself and speak openly about your love and dedication to God.
I have always appreciated that you have used your celebrity for a higher purpose. You are well guided internally.
I am an artist and actually worked with the Red Sox wives on a children’s book a few years ago and was struck by how many attend bible study. It was very inspiring.
If I can help you on your mission in anyway let me know. I have lots of
Red Sox related art and notecards on http://www.dannyoart.com
I have been looking forward to the 2007 season all winter and couldn’t be more excited about how the team has shifted. You will have the biggest fan base in Red Sox history this season! Best of luck in all your ventures on and off the field. You are a gift by way of sharing yours so generously.
All the best
Danny O
Hey Curt…. Get ready to hear it this season! Contract talk will be fueling the talk-radio fire every fifth day, and hopefully, you’re going to have some stiff competition in the rotation. Now, everybody know you’re the ace, but everyone is expecting that to change by the end of this season. Either way, I hope you have a good season, and I hope your bust in Cooperstown has a “B” on the cap. I, for one, will be reading all season and really hope you keep this up as much as you can.
Jigs
Funny - I don’t see any “Welcome to the blogging world” messages from Shaughnessy…
Anyhow, I look forward to reading your thoughts as the season progresses. The Sox seem to have 4 potential aces, which should make for an enjoyable year.
About time Curt - you are pretty much the perfect opinionated blogger!
Let me just say, GO SOX!!! It’s nice to see you blogging Mr. Schilling. Though I must admit I am interested to hear what you’ve got to say about your buddy George W. Bush’s recent performance. And the conviction of a high level aide, Scotter Libby. What happened to the honor and integrity that they were supposedly going to restore?
Thanks Curt!!!
I really don’t know where you will find the time to keep up with 38 pitches but it means something to the “Nation” that you will communicate the best you can with your fans. (keep your butt in Boston)
1 comment about Trot……….I will never forget the loyality in staying with the Redsox when he could have packed his bags and headed to the bank.
He didn’t do that and it really makes you feel good when a professional ball player stays where his heart is and doesn’t chase the $$$$$$$$$$$$ all the time, how much money do we need to be happy??
If we can find a closer, the Boston redsox will again be the World Champions!!!
Have a great year Curt, and Thank You for everything you bring to Boston, and that is not only your arm.
Curt,
Really enjoyed reading your blog and getting into what you’re thinking about on the mound. I hope you have a great year and would love to see you back next year. I have heard you say that you understand the reasons why the Red Sox declined your option at the moment. Will you still hope to sign with the Red Sox as a free agent or is that door closed for good?
Good Luck!!
Hello:
Nice effort with this blog. This is going to be fun. Thank you for all you have done to make the Boston sports scene as interesting as it is. This is certainly no place for crybabies.
Props to you and Shonda on all the work you both have done regarding the charities.
Please say hello to John Blake and Sam Tamposi, went to school with those rascals.
Look forward to reading your posts.
Jeff G.
Welcome Curt!
Cant wait for the freaking season, and I cant wait for you to tear it up!
Already slotted for 8 home games this season!!! hopefully ill get to see you pitch.
ps…I wanna work for your gaming company….I remember hearing you play WoW, still true?
Curt,
If the Red Sox don’t sign you for next year I will become a Yankees fan!
Did I say that out loud? Well, maybe a Mets fan. You have given enough of
yourself on the filed for the Sox that you deserve to finish your career in Boston. Your one of the most unselfish players in the league and you take
your own personal time to reach out to fans on a regular basis.
Good Luck this year and hope to see you back next year.
Ken
Curt, I can’t tell you how pleased I am that you’re writing a blog. Without any hesititation, I’ve always found your comments on any issue to be extremely compelling. I love how you mention that you’re not a “yes/no” guy. You are passionate about issues and I think that makes for great fodder for truly interesting conversations.
I’ve seen many news pieces on you and your family. The one thing that sticks out in my mind was during the NESN preview of your Christmas gathering where you showed the audience your trophy case and your child’s trophy was front and center. That to me shows what a terrific family man you are. Sure you’re blessed with a wonderful family, but they have a great one in you as well.
Please keep up the good work. My wife and I continue to root hard for you the person 1st, and you the Red Sox second!
Curt,
Thanks for sharing this with us. I may not agree with everything you’ve ever said, but that’s not the point. You’re a great pitcher on my favorite team, and I’ve always appreciated you wanting to give fans the inside track as much as you can without having the media twist your words around.
Anyway, have a great season and good luck with the videogames too…quite a talented team you’ve assembled.
Hey Curt,
Glad to see things are going well. I think I saw you in AA back in the day. Used to see the red sox play in bristol and later new britain.
I hope you will still consider signing with the sox later even though they drag their feet (stupidly). Everyone knows your a horse and it’s great to have you on the club. No matter how it turns out you helped bring home a miracle to red sox nation. Will never ever ever forget that.
Stay healthy and lets bring another title home.
Scott
Welcome to the blogging world! Awesome to see you skipping the media-middle-men!
As a life-long Sox fan I hope you know that there are a lot of us out there who appreciate your no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is style. It’s actually refreshing to see people who aren’t afraid to speak the truth.
Best wishes and go Sox!
Scott Olson
Curt,
Kudos on the blog. I want to thank you as every other Sox fan has for bringing home the World Series to Boston. Like many others, I got to see something my Dad never did. I hope things work out contractually with the Sox as we in the Nation prefer that you stay and retire as a Red Sox member. Best of luck this year. Things are definitely looking good. Talk to you again soon.
Curt Swift
Great blog - thank you for doing this. Those of us who are longtime sox and baseball fans generally greatly appreciate your insight into the art of pitching and your ability to describe and self-assess with clarity. So, your comment about giving up the HR by not really committing to the fastball even though you nodded yes to tek was so interesting - I can actually recall that feeling of split personality when I played HS ball. Happy to learn that pro’s make the same mistake!
Curt, I Wanted to ask you what you thought about the proposed deal between MLB and DirectTV which would give DirectTV exclusive rights to the Extra Innings Package. Many folks with either cable, or that live in an area where they cannot have a dish, will be essentially shut out of baseball. Didn’t know if this plan, if it goes through, would affect any members of your family, or friends, that enjoy watching you pitch from wherever they reside. Love the blog. Keep it up.
Hey Curt,
It’s a good thing you have thick skin… don’t let their negativity drag you down. I for one love your candor and will truly enjoy reading your insight into the game I love to watch. As I can see I am not in the minority. As for things not baseball, like politics, etc. … I think anyone with a brain should realize that you are just offering a forum to speak about what interests you as a human. If I don’t share your opinion about a certain subject I will feel free to disagree and maybe share my own opinion. In the meantime I will laugh at anyone who tells you to shut-up so they don’t have to log-on and read your thoughts! Anyway, I digress…Thanks for the opportunity. I will be an avid reader and I look forward to asking the occasional question as the season progresses. Good luck in all you do! I will support you and the rest of the sox regardless! May the best sox team win!
What a pleasure to have you on the team I root for! I love your passion, hard work and attitude. Thanks for all you do!I have to laugh at all these dopes that take the time to blog on your site and tell you not to talk and just pitch. They don’t realize how stupid they sound! I guess that’s life… always somebody whose ignorant, jealous, or just a plain jerk. Some days I think we need another flood!
Curt,
I am pleased to see your blog! I like that you are a blowhard, the sharing of opinions (weather you agree or not) is what this country was founded on. I just hope the posters keep it clean and respectful (you can dislike some one and still be respectful!). I like the fact that you tell it like you see it, but are open to hear other opinions.
Last year you talked about quiting skoal - did you succed? I dip myself and have unsucessfuly tried to quit a couple of times.
My grandfather introduced me to the Red Soxs (as I am sure many kids were) Unfortunetly he passed away before his dream came true, but it was a thrill for me to be reminded of the summers I would spend at his house listening to the games with him on his radio, and how much joy the stoic german would have had when the Soxs won in 04!
Do you actualy read all the posts?
Well good luck in 07, and I look forward to insights to the clubhouse during the season. I hope you and the Soxs mgt can work something out so you will be here in 08 (or beyond). I hope to get a chance to bring my son to a game this year to see you pitch.
Thanks for all the work with ALS - My thoughts and prayers are with those in need.
Michael Schindewolf
This is great! Thanks for taking the time. Hope you, and the Sox, have a great season.
Best Wishes.
I am very excited about this blog. Being a lifetime Red Sox fan and stuck in Texas I can’t get enough information about the Red Sox and the players.
If it isn’t too much trouble, help Manny get one set up. I can’t think of anything more entertaining than a Manny blog on all subjects.
Hi Curt,
I’ve wondered over the last 2 years or so about your relationship with RJ. Three were several rumors when he left AZ that he avoided Boston because you were there. RJ even joked once about not answering your calls.
The two of you seemed pretty OK with each other in the dugout. Is there any truth to the rumors? Or is it more media BS?
Curt, you’re a class act. Speak your piece, and show folks what backbone is. As a coach and instructor, I would be very interested in talking pitching here. I am sure some fans wouldn’t care to, but others will find it educational. I’ll always respect your work ethic and especially what you did for millions of the nation fans. My 80 year old dad has told me it was the greatest sports moment of his life. Thanks and good luck this season.
CoachR
Curt - I’d just like to add my thanks for everything! I don’t think it’s possible to tell you just how rediculously happy you and your teammates made us in 2004. That October was so amazing, I can’t help but smile from ear to ear everytime I think of it. I’ll never forget the joy of that championship, even if I live to be 103 and get to see another one
Thank you thank you thank you!
I also really appreciate how you use your celebrity for such good. I’ll always remember that the first thing you did here was to make a huge donation to the Jimmy Fund. Your and Shonda’s work for ALS and skin cancer is obviously amazing. I also remember the time and effort you put in to help a little boy in our town who has SMA. My sister and I got there a bit too late, but we loved that you spent a day signing signature after signature at a yard sale to raise a lot of money to fight that disease. Also, I like that you’re not afraid to share your faith. As awesome as you are within the game of baseball, you don’t forget the more important things in life, and I really appreciate that.
Finally, thanks for communicating with the fans! It’s so interesting and fun - I really appreciate it! Best of luck in 2007 and beyond, and I really hope you retire with the Red Sox. God bless, Gabrielle
Hello Curt,
I am orginally from India. Did my Graduate studies in Boston area. The first time I saw you pitch was in world series against Yankees as an Arizaona Diamondback. Loved your attitude, pitching then and seems like I enjoy it even more as a red sock… We do follow Cricket a lot in India but that is seldom followed sport for me ever since I have come to US. Love Boston Sports in general and love the athletes who show grit, determination, honesty in their every day job..
Great to read your own opinions before Boston Media preps it and puts it in news papers, or radio shows.. (Hello Butch Sterns I dont hate him, i dont even know him but cant help to forget your little altercation on WEEI)…
I think you have made a right choice for free agency considering what people are getting paid out there.. If Red Sox offer a contract great.. if they dont well its their business decision I guess.. But you will be alright..
Wish you all the best and looking forward to a great 2007 season for you and Red Sox..Perhaps another world championship..
Sincerely
Shreyas.. (Hondo for John Havelicek and bass ‘coz love bass fishing)
Incredible Idea Curt.
You are by far my favorite Sox player and have been since you have arrived.
I love your attitude and the way you speak your mind.
I look forward to your insights on the great game of baseball.
Keep up the good work.
oh. i can’t believe they didn’t extend your contract. i was screaming at my radio when i heard.
Hey Curt,
As you can probably guess, I’ve been a fan of yours since the Philly years. I have witnessed your great addy-tude and devotion to the game and it’s fans.
I can recall many nights when your signed autographs until the wee hours outside the Vet. I still have my ‘93 World Series ball; signed one of those nights.
I look forward to many of your insights to the game and a Phillies/Sox Series in ‘07!!!
Curt,
As a long time Red Sox fan, I take whatever is published by the media with a grain of salt. Your willingness to share your thoughts with is quite refreshing and is noble and certainly appreciated.
I have a dream - once again, that Jordan’s Furniture will pay for a lot of merchandise because of the team’s winning the Series this year.
I must comment that you should read your words carefully and think about using personal personal pronouns a little else often.
This is still a team sport and you are all contributors and have the same responsibility to do your jobs.
Try not to let your personal crusade to be the best get in the way of doing what is the best for the team.
Everything you do is highly appreciated and welcome, and the more you do, the better off the team is, but it is still a team..
Keep it up and I shall be rooting for you and the team, as usual.
Curt,
Great stuff, good to know theres someone out there making big time money thats not afraid to put it out there. This finially gives me a chance to say that as a longtime fan (of yours and the sox) that bringing home the 04 series was a dream come true. Many happy postings in the future good, luck this year
[...] some darned reason, there appears to be more interest in what he has to say: his inaugural post got 114 comments. Granted, a lot of them were of the “this is awesome!” variety, but [...]