Cam Schlittler, the New York Yankees pitcher, became the protagonist of one of the best postseason performances in recent memory, completely dominating the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series
For Schlittler, whose hometown of Walpole, Massachusetts, is near Boston, the victory was much more than a sporting triumph, it was a complex mix of professional success and personal rivalry with the same city, something that brings back memories, but also problems.
Schlittler’s great game
The 24-year-old pitched an impressive eight-inning shutout, striking out 12 without giving up a single walk to eliminate the Red Sox. The victory was especially significant given that his own family, initially Boston fans, had to switch teams to support him.
However, not all of his people celebrated enthusiastically. Schlittler revealed that most of his friends and relatives, die-hard Red Sox fans, were visibly “upset” after his stellar performance. The Yankees pitcher’s response was typically pragmatic and a bit stinging, especially considering the pain of elimination.
Schllittler’s ‘advice’ for the Red Sox
“I told them that’s exactly what was going to happen,” Schlittler told the press, just before the Division Series. With a touch of humor, he added: “They’ll get over it. Hockey season is coming up, basketball season is coming up. So I’m sure they have other things to distract them.”
The Yankees player’s comment generated laughter on the one hand, but also annoyance on the other, so much so that on social media there was quite a reaction and the player’s family was involved.
Social media against Schlittler’s mother
The rivalry was not limited to the field, as Schlittler also revealed that his mother, Christine, was bullied on social media before the game. This incident forced her to privatize her account, a fact that deeply disappointed the pitcher, as he himself had been a part of the Red Sox fan base.
Outside of the comments and controversies, the truth is that Schlittler has been able to take advantage of his opportunities in the team and is beginning to gain confidence with his performances. If he continues like this, he will probably continue to gain “enemies” from a city that was once his home.
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