“The Nation Stands Behind You”: Mobilizing Social Support on 38pitches.com

Abstract

This research explored social support expressions to and for Boston Red Sox pitcher, Curt Schilling, in response to troubling events he disclosed on his blog, www.38pitches.com. An interpretive analysis of 514 comments posted by blog readers to Schilling's blog entries was conducted. The analysis revealed that, via their supportive postings, blog readers emerged as a mobilized support group who authenticated Schilling's identity as a sports media critic and active sports media participant while also cementing his legacy in Red Sox culture. The analysis suggests that blogs possess valuable public relations utility for professional athletes, particularly for those who have combative relationships with sports journalists, as social support is covertly obtained, enabling professional athletes to preserve “face” while simultaneously garnering support for their views.

Keywords:

• Blogs
• Computer-Mediated Communication
• Curt Schilling
• Social Media
• Social Support

This research was conducted as part of the author's master's thesis, under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey W. Kassing, to whom the author is greatly indebted for his countless hours of advice and support. An earlier version of this manuscript was presented at the 2008 annual convention of the Western States Communication Association, Denver.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jimmy Sanderson

Jimmy Sanderson (M.A., Arizona State University, 2008) is a Ph.D. student in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication at Arizona State University.