Curt Schilling officially hung up his spikes this morning, announcing on his blog that he’s retiring:

24 October 2007: Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling (38) tips his hat to the crowd as he leaves the game as the Boston Sox defeated the Colorado Rockies 2-1 in game 2 of the World Series at Fenway Park in Boston, MA. Photo: Icon SMI

The game always gave me far more than I ever gave it. All of those things, every single one of those memories is enveloped with fan sights and sounds for me. Without the fans they would still be great memories, but none would be enduring and unforgettable because they infused the energy, rage, passion and ‘feel’ of all of those times. The game was here long before I was, and will be here long after I am gone. The only thing I hope I did was never put in question my love for the game, or my passion to be counted on when it mattered most. I did everything I could to win every time I was handed the ball.

I am and always will be more grateful than any of you could ever possibly know.

Now starts the Hall of Fame debate. In his favor is a strikeout rate of 8.6 per nine and a stingy walk rate under 2.0 (1.96 per 9). Three of the four HOF measures used at Baseball Reference put Schilling in, but he doesn’t have much similarity to other Hall of Famers. He does compare with Catfish Hunter and Don Drysdale, but there have been good arguments made against their elections.

I think Curt will be elected eventually. He was a great pitcher in a hitter’s era, and his gusty performances in the 2004 playoffs are the stuff of legend. I’d vote him in for his walk rate alone.

Best of luck with the game software Curt, and thanks for the memories!