ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Former Diamondback Curt Schilling diagnosed with cancer

Feb 5, 2014, 10:37 PM | Updated: 10:45 pm

One of the best pitchers in Arizona Diamondbacks history now faces his toughest challenge yet.

Curt Schilling, who was with the Diamondbacks from 2000 to 2003, was diagnosed with cancer.

The news was reported by ESPN.com, whom Schilling, now 47, works for as an analyst.

“I’ve always believed life is about embracing the gifts and rising up to meet the challenges,” Schilling said in a statement released by ESPN. “We’ve been presented with another challenge, as I’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer.”

Schilling, who attended Shadow Mountain High School in Phoenix, compiled a 58-28 record with a 3.14 ERA in 108 games with the Diamondbacks. He helped lead the team to the World Series title in 2001, where he was named co-MVP along with fellow hurler Randy Johnson.

“My father left me with a saying that I’ve carried my entire life and tried to pass on to our kids: ‘Tough times don’t last, tough people do.’ Over the years in Boston, the kids at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have shown us what that means. With my incredibly talented medical team I’m ready to try and win another big game.

“I’ve been so very blessed and I feel grateful for what God has allowed my family to have and experience, and I’ll embrace this fight just like the rest of them, with resolute faith and head on.”

Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Montgomery...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ lack of execution spoils Jordan Montgomery outing vs. Cardinals

Jordan Montgomery's quality start gave the Arizona Diamondbacks every opportunity to break Wednesday's series finale at the Cardinals open.

4 hours ago

Arizona Diamondbacks logo...

Haboob Blog

Diamondbacks minor leaguer accomplishes rare 5-strikeout inning

D-backs RHP prospect Jhosmer Alvarez struck out five hitters in a single inning for Single-A Visalia against the Inland Empire 66ers.

6 hours ago

Corbin Carroll swings and breaks his bat...

Arizona Sports

Corbin Carroll slides to 7th in Diamondbacks’ batting order vs. Cardinals

The Arizona Diamondbacks are shaking up the lineup against the St. Louis Cardinals with Corbin Carroll sliding down the batting order.

9 hours ago

D-backs assistant GM Mike Fitzgerald joins Wolf & Luke to discuss recent injuries to the team, incl...

Bailey Leasure

Assistant GM Mike Fitzgerald: It’s hard to read the Diamondbacks due to injuries

D-backs assistant general manager Mike Fitzgerald admitted judging Arizona has been difficult considering the rash of injuries.

9 hours ago

Pavin Smith drives in six runs as the D-backs beat the Cardinals 14-1....

Associated Press

Pavin Smith drives in 6 runs as Diamondbacks rout Cardinals

Pavin Smith hits a grand slam and drove in a career-high six runs to help the Diamondbacks to a 14-1 win over the Cardinals Tuesday.

20 hours ago

D-backs put up 14 runs in six innings against the St. Louis Cardinals Tuesday....

Bailey Leasure

Diamondbacks drop Cardinals with home-run party

Pavin Smith hits a grand slam as the D-backs swung early Tuesday, putting up 14 runs as they beat the Cardinals 14-1.

21 hours ago

Former Diamondback Curt Schilling diagnosed with cancer