“It was designed to say thank you to each and every family member, each and every ALS patient, each and every researcher.”
A Foothold on History
For Schilling, marking his cleat with “K ALS” was the least he could do for those in the community.
“It was designed to say thank you to each and every family member, each and every ALS patient, each and every researcher,” explained Schilling.
With millions watching him that October night, Schilling pitched six innings, gave up no earned runs and recorded the win. The Red Sox completed a four-game sweep of the Cardinals and, for the first time since 1918, brought a World Series title home to the adoring fans in Boston.
The bloody sock and the “K ALS” cleat became lasting memories from the 2004 postseason, but how Curt Schilling reacted to the enormous amount of attention is often overlooked in the popular narrative of baseball history. The “K ALS” cleat projected a different side to the pitcher – one of selflessness. He was aware that his injury gave him a platform to help others. On the baseball world’s biggest stage, Schilling turned the spotlight away from himself toward something greater.
Curt Schilling’s “K ALS” cleat will be featured in the upcoming exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Whole New Ballgame, slated to open Nov. 7.
Sarah Calise was the 2015 curatorial intern in the Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
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