UPDATE: Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has condemned Red Sox fans for a wave of harassment directed at his family members, including his mother, on social media. This outcry comes just ahead of his historic start in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series on October 5, 2023.
Speaking before the Yankees’ workout at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Schlittler expressed his disappointment, stating that the vitriol directed at his family has “crossed the line.” As a native of Walpole, Massachusetts, just 15 miles from Boston, and a former student at Northeastern University, he expected some heckling but was taken aback by the extent of the harassment.
“I think if it was a different fanbase coming at them, I’d probably be a little bit more OK with it,” he said, reflecting on the emotional toll it took. “I think it just being Boston was a little bit more disappointing.”
In a remarkable performance, the 24-year-old rookie made history during his playoff debut, throwing eight scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts and no walks, becoming the first pitcher to achieve such a feat in postseason history. His dominance on the mound led the Yankees to a 4-0 victory over the Red Sox, showcasing his resilience despite the off-field turmoil.
“I’m a competitive player,” Schlittler stated. “All they’re doing is feeding the fire. Just making sure I’m staying off my phone. I see it. I noticed it the other day. But at the end of the day, I’m going to go out there and just lock in even more.” His determination to channel the anger into performance resonated with fans and teammates alike.
Schlittler’s family, while proud of his achievements, expressed their disappointment over the harassment. “They were bummed out,” he said, adding that friends who remain loyal to the Red Sox reached out with messages of support. Yet, he reassured them, noting, “Hockey season is coming up, basketball season is coming up. So I’m sure they got other things to distract them.”
Looking ahead, Schlittler is scheduled to pitch again in Game 4 of the AL Division Series next Wednesday, should a fourth game be necessary. The incident underscores the intense pressures faced by athletes and their families amidst the high-stakes atmosphere of playoff baseball.
The ongoing situation has sparked discussions about fan behavior and the impact of social media on athletes and their loved ones, highlighting the need for respect and sportsmanship in competitive environments. As the playoffs continue, Schlittler’s story serves as a reminder of the human element behind the statistics and performances on the field.
Stay tuned for updates as the Yankees advance in the postseason and Schlittler prepares for his next crucial start.
