New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has revealed he and his family have received death threats in the lead-up to his Thursday start against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Schlittler, who previously pitched eight scoreless innings to eliminate the Red Sox in last season's American League Wild Card Series, expressed an unusual eagerness for the confrontational atmosphere.
The threats, stemming from his postseason performance against Boston, have not deterred Schlittler; instead, he appears energized by the prospect of facing hostile fans in his hometown, just 40 miles from where he grew up as a Red Sox supporter. He indicated to the New York Post that he has not involved law enforcement, suggesting such harassment is a regular occurrence from Red Sox fans, who he claims "troll" him "every week… every day."
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Schlittler's comments to the press suggest a defiant posture toward the fan base he once belonged to. "Most normal fans could care less, right?" he remarked, downplaying the significance of the threats while simultaneously highlighting their persistent nature. He anticipates a loud and unwelcoming reception at Fenway Park, describing potential interactions with fans near the bullpen.
The pitcher's history with the Red Sox is a complicated one. His dominant outing in Game 3 of last year's Wild Card Series, which featured 12 strikeouts, turned him into a perceived villain for Boston supporters. Schlittler himself acknowledged this transformation, noting how his family, originally Red Sox fans, have since become Yankees supporters. This familial shift, alongside his on-field success against Boston, seems to have intensified the animosity directed at him.
Despite the threats, Schlittler's focus appears to be on performance. He has a history of powerful pitching, with his sinker averaging 97.5 mph and his cutter at 91.9 mph. His previous postseason success included inducing numerous "whiffs" with his four-seamer, a pitch he reportedly threw with high velocity even at lower league levels. This upcoming start marks his first appearance at Fenway Park since becoming a prominent player for the Yankees.
Read More: Yankees Pitcher Schlittler Gets Threats Before Fenway Start