Yankees Pitcher Cam Schlittler, Son of Massachusetts Police Chief, Poised to face former Hometown Team in Crucial Playoff Game
BOSTON – New York Yankees rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler is one win away from helping his team eliminate the Boston red Sox from the playoffs, a scenario made especially poignant by schlittler’s Massachusetts roots and the fact his father is a police chief in the state. The Yankees lead the American League Wild Card Series 2-1, with a victory in Thursday’s game sending them to the American League Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Schlittler, who earned the win in Wednesday’s 6-5 victory over the Red Sox with a 1/3 of an inning pitched, is experiencing a accomplished rookie season, boasting a 4-3 record with a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts. The stakes are high for both teams, but for Schlittler, the game carries a personal weight as he faces the team he grew up near and potentially dashes the playoff hopes of a fanbase many in his family once supported.
The 24-year-old pitcher acknowledged the shift in family allegiance since joining the Yankees. “Obviously growing up, I take pride in being from Boston.When it came to my career, this is where I want to be. Thay’re full Yankee guys now. they don’t wear as much around boston, you know just because. When they’re here, they’re really prideful about it,” Schlittler said. his family, including his father, a Massachusetts police chief, were in attendance Wednesday to witness his performance.
Local coaches who have followed Schlittler’s career are offering their support. Walpole High School baseball coach Chris Costello stated, “I’m still a Red Sox fan, but, you know, personal relationships will always overtake any fandom, so to speak. So, I’ll be rooting for Cam.I’ll be rooting for cam until Cam is not in the game, and then I’ll be a Red Sox fan again.” Northeastern head baseball coach Mike Glavine added, ”I wouldn’t hate seeing six, seven strong scoreless innings with a, you know, seven or eight punch outs and maybe, maybe the Red Sox come back late and win that thing.”
Even the Needham Police Department weighed in on the conflict, posting on Facebook, “So now we’re stuck between ‘Go Sox!’ and ‘Go… wait, did we just say (I can’t) out loud?’ Please don’t revoke our Massachusetts residency, and please don’t tell Wally. We’ll be cheering for strikeouts, home runs, and somehow, a Sox win and a perfect game simultaneously occurring.”
First pitch for Thursday’s decisive game is scheduled for 8:08 p.m. at Fenway Park.
