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Cam Schlittler made enemies back home in Massachusetts when he helped eliminate the Boston Red Sox with a dominant performance in Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series. But the New York Yankees right-hander issued a heartfelt message about why he feels loyalty to New York while still having a “Boston mindset” amid vitriolic messages from Red Sox fans. Schlittler, of course, threw eight shutout innings and struck out 12 in the Yankees’ series-clinching 4-0 win over the the Red Sox that sent New York to the AL Division Series. The rookie right-hander hails from the Boston suburb of Walpole, Massachusetts and played college baseball at Northeastern University. Unlike fellow New England-born teammate Ben Rice, Schlittler was not a fan of the Yankees growing up and rooted for the Red Sox. Schlittler went 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts and was 1-1 with a 1.26 ERA in a pair of postseason outings. Cam Schlittler Was ‘Caught Off Guard’ By Negative Comments To His Family From Red Sox Fans Schlittler heard complaints from Red Sox fans, who called him a traitor for pitching for the Yankees. He opened up about the whole deal with a post on X, formerly Twitter. “I knew how I’d be received starting that game,” Schlittler said. “But I didn’t expect people from the area where I grew up to attack my family. Criticism is something I’ve always handled well, and that stuff doesn’t bother me — it just caught me off guard.” The Red Sox and Yankees are arguably the two biggest rivals in pro sports. That leaves Schlittler caught in the middle, since his heart is in Boston and his checks get paid by the Yankees. But Schlittler explained why he feels suited to juggle allegiances to both northeast metropolises. “I love the city of New York, because there’s no organization or fan base I’d rather be a part of,” Schlittler said. “I feed off those high and demanding expectations — it’s something I learned growing up around the Boston area. “That’s the Boston mindset: growing up in a proud city surrounded by championships. I feel that same sense of pride here in New York and am eager to deliver results for the fans who put their faith in this team.” Schlittler took on members of Red Sox Nation online in the aftermath of his outing. But he also spelled out why he has profound respect the Red Sox organization while still being loyal to the pinstripes. “I truly respect Boston and that organization,” Schlittler said. “A rivalry is a rivalry, and my loyalty is with New York for as long as I’m here.” Cam Schlittler Does Not Care About The Blue Jays Schlittler may have a soft spot for his boyhood team and his hometown, but the right-hander doesn’t harbor the same sentiments for other AL East rivals. “I don’t have a PR team,” Schlittler said. “Blue Jays fans can stay mad.”
