Curt Schilling, born in Anchorage, Alaska, grew up in a military family and later moved around frequently due to his father’s service. Eventually, the Schilling family settled in Arizona, where Curt began to develop his passion for baseball.
From his humble beginnings to becoming a star pitcher, Schilling’s journey from Alaska to the major leagues is filled with dedication and hard work. Even after his retirement, his name still resonates, not only because of his baseball career but also due to his ventures and opinions that keep him in the news today.
Curt Schilling’s estimated net worth is around $1 million to $2 million. This is significantly lower than what many might expect for a player of his stature, especially considering his successful MLB career, which spanned over two decades. Schilling made a substantial amount of money during his playing days, with career earnings estimated to be around $114 million from contracts and endorsements. However, a series of financial setbacks, including the failure of his video game company, 38 Studios, had a major impact on his overall wealth.
About Curt Schilling
| Age | 57 |
| Birth Date | November 14, 1966 |
| Birth Place | Anchorage, Alaska |
| Height | 6 ft 5 inches |
| Weight | 205 lb |
| Status | Married |
Early Years in Major League Baseball (MLB)
Curt Schilling’s rise to fame began in 1988 when he made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles. Though his early years weren’t exactly star-studded, Schilling’s talent was evident. He gained valuable experience but struggled to make a significant impact during his time with the Orioles and later the Houston Astros. However, everything changed when he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1992, a team that allowed him to showcase his skills as a dominant starting pitcher.
Key Teams Played For
Throughout his MLB career, Schilling played for several key teams, each contributing to his rise to prominence:
- Philadelphia Phillies (1992–2000): Schilling made his mark with the Phillies, leading them to the 1993 World Series. His performance in that series, despite the team’s loss, cemented him as a star pitcher.
- Arizona Diamondbacks (2000–2003): Schilling’s career hit new heights with the Diamondbacks, where he won his first World Series in 2001. He and Randy Johnson dominated that postseason, and Schilling was named co-MVP of the series.
- Boston Red Sox (2004–2007): Arguably the pinnacle of his career, Schilling helped break the “Curse of the Bambino” by leading the Red Sox to their first World Series win in 86 years in 2004. His iconic “bloody sock” game during that postseason is one of the most memorable moments in baseball history.
Notable Achievements and Awards
Curt Schilling’s career is packed with accolades and achievements that highlight his brilliance on the mound:
- 6× MLB All-Star (1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2004)
- 3× World Series Champion (2001, 2004, 2007)
- World Series MVP (2001, co-MVP with Randy Johnson)
- NLCS MVP (1993)
- Roberto Clemente Award (2001)
- 2× MLB Wins Leader (2001, 2004)
Family and Personal Relationships
Curt Schilling has been married to his wife, Shonda Schilling, since 1992. They have four children: Gehrig, Gabriella, Grant, and Garrison. Shonda Curt Schilling’s wife has been a significant presence in Schilling’s life, supporting him throughout his career, both during his time on the field and in his post-retirement ventures. The couple has faced several challenges together, including Shonda’s public battle with cancer, which she survived, further strengthening their bond as a family.
Political Involvement and Controversies
Curt Schilling has been outspoken about his conservative political views, often sharing his opinions on social and political issues. He’s been a vocal supporter of the Republican Party and has expressed strong views on issues such as gun rights, immigration, and free speech. Schilling’s political involvement became more pronounced after he retired from baseball, and he has even hinted at running for public office, specifically the U.S. Senate, though these plans have not materialized.
Social Media Presence and Public Reactions
Schilling’s political views have often found a platform on social media, where he’s known for his controversial and sometimes provocative posts. He frequently shares his thoughts on his Twitter account and Facebook, attracting both support and criticism. His candidness has made him a polarizing figure, with many fans appreciating his honesty, while others feel his opinions are too divisive. Schilling’s social media presence has led to heated debates, and at times, backlash from both fans and media outlets.
Notable Controversies and Statements
Over the years, Schilling has been involved in several high-profile controversies. One of the most significant occurred in 2016 when he was fired from his role as an analyst at ESPN after sharing a controversial post about transgender rights. Schilling has also made inflammatory statements on various social and political issues, which have garnered widespread attention and criticism.
Another notable Curt Schilling controversy involved the failure of his video game company, 38 Studios. The company, which was partially funded by the state of Rhode Island, went bankrupt, leaving taxpayers on the hook for a large sum of money. This incident tarnished Schilling’s business reputation and led to legal battles.
Despite these controversies, Schilling remains a prominent figure in both the sports and political spheres, continuing to voice his opinions publicly and engaging with both supporters and critics alike.
Curt Schilling’s Health Updates
Curt Schilling has faced several significant health challenges over the years. In 2014, he was diagnosed with oral cancer, which he attributed to his use of chewing tobacco during his playing career.
Schilling went through months of intense treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation, and later announced that he was cancer-free. Reflecting on his battle with cancer, he publicly stated, “It was without a doubt the most physically debilitating thing I’ve ever been through,” during an interview with Boston’s WEEI radio station.
Schilling used his experience as a platform to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use, urging others to avoid the harmful habit. His openness about his health struggles won him widespread sympathy, even among those who might have disagreed with his political or public views.
Recent Health Conditions and Public Statements
In recent years, Schilling’s health appears to have stabilized, and there have been no major public reports of new illnesses. However, he continues to advocate for cancer awareness and shares updates with his fans and followers. Schilling often reflects on his health challenges in interviews and social media posts, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment.
In 2019, during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Schilling spoke about the long-term effects of his cancer treatment, stating, “You’re never quite the same after something like that, but I’m grateful to be alive and to have had access to such great medical care.” While Schilling has been relatively quiet about his current health status, his resilience in facing these past challenges continues to be a source of inspiration for many.
As of now, Schilling seems to be focusing more on his family and public engagements, with no major health updates beyond his continued advocacy and reflections on his past battles with cancer.
Financial Troubles and Bankruptcy of 38 Studios
What Led to the Financial Collapse?
The financial collapse of Curt Schilling’s video game company, 38 Studios, was a significant event that drastically impacted his post-baseball career. Founded in 2006, 38 Studios was Schilling’s ambitious attempt to break into the video game industry, focusing on creating a highly anticipated role-playing game (RPG).
In 2010, the company secured a $75 million loan guarantee from the state of Rhode Island to move the company’s headquarters from Massachusetts to Providence, in hopes of creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
However, despite initial excitement, the company faced numerous challenges, including high development costs, delays in releasing its flagship game, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, and mismanagement of funds.
The game received decent reviews but failed to generate enough revenue to keep the company afloat. By 2012, 38 Studios had run out of money and was unable to make loan payments, leading to its abrupt closure and laying off its entire staff.
Impact on Schilling’s Net Worth
The collapse of 38 Studios had a devastating impact on Curt Schilling’s finances. Schilling had invested a significant portion of his wealth—reportedly around $50 million—into the company.
When the business went bankrupt, much of Schilling’s fortune was wiped out. He later revealed in interviews that he had lost his entire baseball career earnings due to the company’s failure.
In addition to losing his investment, Schilling faced a public relations disaster. The bankruptcy not only hurt his finances but also his reputation, as taxpayers in Rhode Island were left to cover the costs of the unpaid loans. The financial blow from 38 Studios drastically reduced Schilling’s net worth, which had been much higher during his playing days.
Legal Battles and Settlements
The bankruptcy of 38 Studios led to a series of legal battles involving Schilling, the state of Rhode Island, and other parties connected to the loan deal. Rhode Island taxpayers were left with a $75 million debt due to the loan guarantee provided by the state. This led to several lawsuits aimed at recovering some of the losses.
In 2016, Schilling and other company executives settled with the state of Rhode Island for $2.5 million, though Schilling did not admit to any wrongdoing. The legal battle dragged on for years, with Schilling publicly defending himself, arguing that the company’s collapse was due to broader economic factors and not mismanagement on his part.
Ultimately, the legal issues surrounding 38 Studios were a major blow to Schilling’s finances and public image, marking one of the most challenging chapters of his post-baseball life.
FAQs
1- What position did Curt Schilling play in baseball?
Curt Schilling played as a pitcher.
2- How many career wins did Curt Schilling achieve?
Curt Schilling recorded 216 wins throughout his career.
3- What was Curt Schilling’s career earned run average (ERA)?
Schilling had a career ERA of 3.46.
4- How many strikeouts did Curt Schilling accumulate in his career?
Curt Schilling struck out 3,116 batters during his MLB career.
5- What is Curt Schilling’s height and weight?
Curt Schilling stood 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 205 pounds (196 cm, 92 kg).
6- When is Curt Schilling’s birthday?
Curt Schilling was born on November 14, 1966.
7- Where was Curt Schilling born?
He was born in Anchorage, Alaska, United States.
