t was a record breaking night at Yankee Stadium when Walpole native Cam Schlittler, made his play-off debut in the American League wildcard game against the Boston RedSox on October 2nd. The 6’ 6” Yankees right-hander starter of the decisive Game 3 pulled no punches as he took the mound against the team he once cheered for as a kid.
The Yankees pitcher happens to be the son of Chief Schlitter, Needham’s Police Chief. The police department expressed their conflicting feelings about this Hometown Hero pitching against Boston’s own team: “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 at the same time.”
Photo from Yahoo Sports
The rookie righty, turned in a masterful postseason debut: eight shutout innings, 12 strike-outs, no walks, and just five hits allowed. He threw 107 pitches, 75 for strikes and a blistering fastball that seemed untouchable consistently clocking in at 100 mph. He not only silenced the Red Sox bats but the Boston fans as well. Although Schlittler’s Major League debut wasn’t until July, he appeared to be built for the October stage, locking in over eight scoreless frames. He was hailed by a standing ovation as he left the mound. His dominant performance even inked his name in the MLB lore. His 12 strikeouts are the most ever by a pitcher in postseason history in an elimination game without issuing a walk.
Schlittler had previously alluded to having some "personal" motivation on that Thursday night. Many Red Sox fans had taken to harassing him on social media. This only fueled the former NorthEastern Huskie and added incentive on the mound.
“He didn’t look like a rookie, did he?” fellow teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr. told reporters.
Aaron Boone, Yankees manager said he knew Schlittler was confident going into the game and loved what he saw.
“I don’t know if I had eight shutout innings, but I’m not surprised by anything that kid does,” Boone told reporters after the game. “He pretty much told me last night that this was going to happen.”
In the end, it was Schlittler who got the last laugh ending the Red Sox play-off run and even replying on social medial to a few that harassed him before what was unquestionably the best start of his professional career: “Not this year” he said. “Not this year”.
However, It just might be Schlittler’s year. He is on track to get the start in Game 4 if necessary, which would be at Yankee Stadium. If this rookie is on his game, there’s no telling how far he’ll go. And while it might be difficult rooting for the team from the Bronx, it’s never hard to root for one of our own. We wish Cam the best of luck in the play-offs, you’ll always be a Hometown Hero no matter what color your wear. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll trade the pinstripes in for something a little more red.
Best of luck and much continued success.
