I would have to agree with the reply above that the anger and ignorance displayed in that hateful “question” sent to you was simply sad. If I had to guess, I would say it was written by someone who was bitter and a lived a life of failure.

I would like to take a moment, though, to thank you for all your contributions and certainly for your achievements in life and on the playing field. I most certainly commend you for all of your efforts on behalf of American Service men and women around the world. Your outstanding efforts to raise the morale of our troops who are serving far from home, Mr. Schilling is an example of what an America’s Professional Athletes should be.

I doubt you know or even realize the impact you have had on our troops, so let me share this with you. My youngest son, is a Captain on active duty serving in Afghanistan. He told us last week how excited he was that you were coming to the installation where he is stationed. In fact all the troops were excited and looking forward to your visit. Sadly, he was delayed at his job and missed the opportunity of meeting / seeing you by about ten minutes. He was very dissappointed.

I do want to tell you, that your visit touched a lot of lives. When you traveled halfway around the world and gave of your time, it meant a great deal to the troops. You were a huge boost to their morale! By putting yourself in harm’s way and taking the time to vist a war zone you gave each and every one of them a “Taste of Home!” I commend you, Mr. Schilling for all your efforts on their behalf.

I am a former Professional Athlete / Martial Arts Master, a former Commissioned Officer, Infantry, Airborne, Sniper, and a former Law Enforcement Officer. These days, I’m just a Disabled Veteran (due mostly to that “Jumping out of Perfectly Good Aircraft” thing that I used to do many years ago when I was “Young, dumb, and bullet-proof!” These days after 14 surgeries (most of which are service connected) I do know a bit about medication. You are absolutely correct, Mr. Schilling! Toradol is a pain killer and a good one.

This past 29th of December, I was taken to the ER by ambulance. I am just grateful to God that I had a wonderful doctor (and not the guy who wrote to you!). I was given an injection of Toradol and Diluadid in my right arm and then two nurses, armed to the bicuspid’s with needles full of Robaxin used my Bompozzle for a dart board. It was not my idea of a good time, however when they were done, I got out of my wheelchair and was able to walk out of the hospital.

Thank you for all you’ve done for America and Americans!

May God bless you!

Cordially yours,

Dr. John E. Touchton Sr.
Former Captain, U.S.A.R.

It’s really quite sad.
Obnoxious and embarrassing for him, but also – sad.

Like they say: if you don’t have something thoughtful to contribute, just be quiet. Better yet, go away.

What were some things that would distract you and cause you to lose focus while pitching? Were there anything you did to keep or get your focus back?