New York Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler was taken off guard after his family became the subject of threats following his impressive start against the Boston Red Sox in the final wildcard game.The Walpole, Massachusetts native threw eight scoreless innings, struck out 12 batters, allowed no walks, and gave up five hits. The Red Sox lost the game 4-0 and therefore were eliminated. Post that, Schlittler was harassed by some Red Sox fans who he felt crossed a line.Now, almost a month after the game, Schlittler made a statement where he expressed pride in being connected to two great cities. He also called out haters for attacking his family."Anyone who knows me knows how highly I speak of Boston and how much I love the city," he wrote. "I knew how I'd be received starting that game, 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."I know I've been vocal since that start, but I truly respect Boston and that organization. A rivalry is a rivalry, and my loyalty is with New York for as long as I'm here. New York and Boston are both part of who I am, and I'm fortunate to continue growing as a player connected to two great cities."Fans started reacting to it. While some took a jibe at the Yankees ace, several admired Schlittler for coming out and speaking against the fanbase."“Criticism is something I’ve always handled well” Bro is lying for free 😂😂😂" one fan wrote."You worded this in the most perfectly unproblematic way so naturally boston fans will find a way to get mad at this," one fan added."Cam Shitter: *opens chatgpt* “Write a note about my love for Boston and NY and how I’m surprised my family got dragged into a dispute”" one fan noted.Meanwhile, one fan asked the Yankees pitcher to relax and not stress about it."Don’t sweat it ace," one fan commented."you don’t have to ever explain a thing cam let them cry," another fan added."Anyone who shades you for growing up in the Boston area and playing for the Yankees is missing the real facts. You didn’t control where you were born, nor could you control who drafted you. You control what you can which is your respect for both cities and the game of baseball," one fan posted."Really hope you pitch the lights out next year. Rooting for you dogg. Yankees forever," one fan commented.One fan asks Schlittler to turn the page already:"Bro turn the page 😭😭😭😭"Cam Schlittler admits being fueled for great performance by Red Sox fansAfter delivering a historic start despite being just a rookie, Cam Schlittler admits how the Red Sox fans treated him before he even stepped on that mound. The harassment fueled him to give his best on the mound."There's a line I think they crossed a little bit," Schlittler said. "I'm a competitor. I'm going to go out there and make sure I shut them down. You know Boston fans. It's just how it is. We're aggressive back home and we're gonna try and get under peoples' skin. They just picked the wrong guy to do it to – and the wrong team to do it to as well."Cam Schlittler was also impressive in the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays, throwing 6.1 innings for two earned runs. However, the Yankees couldn't advance past the Blue Jays in the ALDS round.