Calise: A foothold on history
From SABR member Sarah Calise at BaseballHall.org on October 6, 2015:
Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, the bloody sock and his crafted “K ALS” cleat became some of the hottest topics in postseason theatrics in the 2004 playoffs – so dramatic that not even Hollywood could script it.
Down three games to none in the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, the Red Sox seemed destined for defeat. No MLB team had ever come back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series to force a Game 7. However, in a rare occurrence, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera blew the save in Game 4. With the help of Schilling, the Red Sox made one of the most legendary comebacks in baseball history.
The Red Sox won Games 4 and 5 of the ALCS and Schilling was scheduled to take the mound for Game 6. He was roughed up in his previous performance in Game 1, allowing six runs on six hits in three innings. A torn tendon sheath he suffered in his right ankle during the first game of the American League Division Series against the Angels seemed to get the best of him. “Every step made me question my ability to pitch,” Schilling said.
Read the full article here: http://baseballhall.org/discover/short-stops/foothold-on-history
Originally published: October 6, 2015. Last Updated: October 6, 2015.