CALABASAS HILLS, Calif., Oct. 27, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- He's probably thrown more than a million pitches during his illustrious Major League Baseball career, however, none more important than the one he threw during Game 2 of the 2004 World Series.
This particular Curt Schilling pitch was not the type that could be measured by a baseball speed gun recording the velocity of his fastballs or curves. This pitch went straight to the hearts, minds and souls of ALS patients, their families, friends and countless others.
The Boston Red Sox pitcher, a spokesperson and longtime advocate for The ALS Association (ALSA), posted the symbol "K ALS" on his shoe during the game and renewed hope for 30,000 Americans each year afflicted with Lou Gehrig's disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- reminding many more about the urgent need to find a cure.
In the 12 years Schilling and his wife Shonda have been involved with ALSA, they have helped raise nearly $5 million for ALS patients, research and education. Their "Curt's Pitch" program continues to raise funds through numerous ALSA chapters in America.
Schilling inscribed the silver message onto his right shoe, the same leg that sustained a severe ankle injury yet has not stopped him from carrying his team to important victories during the post-season.
"Sometimes, people forget there are bigger things in life than baseball. By writing 'K ALS' on my shoe I wanted people to understand that even in the midst of the World Series, I understood there were much more important things than pitching well," said Schilling. "Hopefully the message touched someone previously unaware of what ALS is, or even better pushed someone that had not been involved in the fight, to start making a difference. At the very least I wanted to make sure every person touched by ALS, patient, family and friend, knows that I take their courage and strength to the mound with me every time I get the ball."
Many in the sports world are comparing his Game 2 performance to that of other great athletes who competed while hurt.
"He's not only a hero to his teammates for pitching in enormous discomfort, but he is also a hero to The ALS Association," said ALSA President and CEO Gary Leo. "This selfless act is indicative of the type of man Curt Schilling is. He will always be our Most Valuable Player. We are very thankful that Curt and his wife Shonda are tremendous spokespersons for ALS.
Following the game, the national office of ALSA fielded numerous e-mails from the ALS community, wanting to thank the pitcher.
"He has given ALS patients more hope by taking some of his World Series spotlight and shining it on them," wrote ALSA Indiana chapter volunteer Cathy Collet in an e-mail that echoed the sentiments of other electronic correspondence received by ALSA. "What a great man."