NEW YORK — Curt Schilling won't test out just how popular he is in Massachusetts.
The former Boston Red Sox pitcher,
beloved in the state for his starring role in ending an 86-year
championship drought, announced Tuesday he isn't running for Edward M.
Kennedy's seat in the U.S. Senate.
Earlier this month, Schilling
expressed interest in pursuing the post held by the Massachusetts
Democrat for almost 50 years before he died in August. But appearing on
Joe Buck Live on HBO on Tuesday night, Schilling quashed the notion.
"Regardless of the amount of support and outreach that's been given to me, it just did not make sense," he said.
Kennedy, who was first elected to the
Senate in 1962, died Aug. 25 of brain cancer at age 77. Primaries are
scheduled for Dec. 8, and the general election will be Jan. 19.
The 42-year-old Schilling cemented
his place in Boston sports lore with the "bloody sock." For a Red Sox
team that hadn't won a world championship since 1918, he twice took the
mound during the 2004 playoffs despite an ankle injury that left red
seeping through the fabric.
Renowned for his big-game
performances and big mouth, Schilling won three World Series titles,
earning rings with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 and again with the
Red Sox in '07. He also helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to the
1993 World Series.
Schilling retired in March after pitching for five teams over 20 years.
Days after the Red Sox won in 2004,
he went on national TV to urge everyone to vote, "and vote Bush."
Schilling stumped for Republican John McCain in 2008. But he has said
he also voted for Bill Clinton, a Democrat.
Schilling laid out his political
beliefs on his blog, 38pitches.com, earlier this month, while insisting
there was a "slim chance" he'd run.
He was still dishing out opinions Tuesday even as he announced he wouldn't pursue Kennedy's seat.
"I think the country is sick and
tired of elected officials beholden to special interests," Schilling
said. "I think we're at a time and a place where we're voting for the
lesser of two evils instead of the best candidate."
Rep. Michael Capuano, attorney
general Martha Coakley and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca
have announced they're seeking the Democratic nomination in
Massachusetts.
State Sen. Scott Brown and Canton selectman Bob Burr are seeking the Republican nomination.
Schilling would have had to run as an independent.
Gov. Deval Patrick could announce a temporary replacement for Kennedy as soon as Thursday.