Curt Schilling 'Bloody Sock' Game 6
A bloody sock fueled a World Series Game 6 win in Phoenix.
The 'Bloody Sock' game refers to Curt Schilling's legendary performance in Game 6 of the 2001 World Series for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Facing the New York Yankees at Bank One Ballpark, Schilling pitched through a severe ankle injury that caused his sock to soak with blood during the contest. This moment is widely regarded as one of the most iconic images in baseball history and helped propel the Diamondbacks to a Game 7 victory, securing the franchise's first championship.
- Outcome
- Arizona Victory (Game 6)
Lore & Background
The sock itself became an artifact of legend, now part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame's collection in Cooperstown. Though not on permanent display, it remains a powerful symbol of the pain endured for glory and defines the identity of the Diamondbacks' inaugural championship team. For fans who attended that night, the memory remains etched alongside the roar of the crowd.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Bank One Ballpark was thick with anticipation, electric under the October lights. From the stands, a fan watched the mound where Schilling stood, wincing as he pushed off his injured ankle to deliver another fastball. The red stain on the white sock seemed to grow darker with each pitch, a silent testament to the agony being suppressed. When the final out was recorded, the roar that erupted from Phoenix wasn't just for a win; it was a release of years of waiting and months of heartbreak.
Reader's Guide
The achievement stands as a defining moment in franchise history: Curt Schilling pitching through severe ankle injury to secure the World Series title. Occurring on October 24, 2001, this performance capped a miraculous playoff run for Arizona against the New York Yankees. The significance extends beyond the scoreboard; it symbolized resilience during a turbulent time in American sports following September 11th. Schilling underwent an experimental procedure before Game 6 to stabilize his ankle tendon, allowing him to pitch despite the pain. The resulting blood soaking through his white sock became an enduring icon of determination and grit. This victory marked the Diamondbacks' first World Championship, cementing their legacy just five years after expansion as a franchise built on passion. The moment is preserved in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, ensuring future generations recognize the physical sacrifice required to win baseball's ultimate prize. It remains the highest peak of the early Diamondbacks era and a touchstone for fans who witnessed the magic at Bank One Ballpark.
Did You Know?
- The actual bloody sock is part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame's collection but is not on permanent display.
- Schilling pitched 7.1 innings allowing only one unearned run during this game.
- This victory forced a Game 7, which the Diamondbacks won to claim their first World Series championship.
- Dr. Richard Emerson, a foot and ankle specialist, performed the suturing procedure on Schilling's ankle before the game.