The Ultimate Act of Sportsmanship

An Inspiring Softball Story



Photo courtesy of seattletimes.nwsource.com

I came across this story a few years ago and it is a story that moved me so much when I read it so I think I should share it with everyone. Something remarkable happened in a softball game between Central Washington and Western Oregon, something Sara Tucholsky would never forget. She had never hit a homerun in all the years she played softball, but on this day she did. With two runners on she proceeded to take her run around the bases but as she ran over first base she realized that she had missed it. Being an honest player, she turned back to go and touch it but as she did her knee buckled and she fell to the ground in enourmous pain. None of her teammates were allowed to touch her as she would not get credited for the homerun, she would only be awarded a single.

In a moment of compassion, the first baseman from Central Washington decided to speak up. Mallory Holtman asked the umpire if her and another teammate from her team could carry her around the bases. After deliberation the umpires came to a decision that they agreed on. Mallory Holtman and the shortstop for Central Washington proceeded to carry Sara Tucholsky around the bases letting her good foot touch each base.

Western Oregon took the double header that day and Sara Tucholsky took her homerun. Although she was not able to finish her season due to the injury she took with her this great act beyond sportsmanship that these wonderful girls gave her. We all need to remember sometimes winning isn't everything, it is about just doing what is right.

Go ahead and see this wonderful story for yourself,