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Baseball is a sport in need of heroes, and Curt Schilling fits the bill. In this exclusive spring-training interview, he describes how his faith grew last year under championship pressure | Marvin Olasky

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- As Boston native Bob Kirk stood watching the Red Sox celebrate last October after winning the World Series for the first time in 86 years, he talked about his father who died of cancer the previous December. Mr. Kirk said, "His last words to me were, 'have they signed Schilling?'"

Schilling is Curt Schilling, and yes, the Sox in signing him to a contract obtained not only one of baseball's top hurlers but a man who showed physical and spiritual courage during 2004 while tens of millions watched. He pitched two crucial playoff and World Series games with his own blood—from an experimental suture of a torn ankle tendon—leaving a stain on his sock, and he announced to the world that he recognizes the power of Christ's blood.