Uncommon Decency 565.2
Last week, Sara Tucholsky, a 5-foot-2-inch softball player in her senior year for Western Oregon University, was playing in a big game with Central Washington University. Both teams were vying for the Division II NCAA playoffs. Sara, who was batting less than .200 all season, hit the ball over the fence with two runners on.
She had never hit a ball out of the park before, even in practice. She was so excited, she missed first base. Realizing this, she turned to go back but collapsed in agony as her knee gave out. Her first-base coach yelled that she had to crawl back to first base because if anyone on Sara's team touched her, she'd be out and her home run would be nullified. Her coach encouraged her to try to crawl around the other bases to preserve her home run, but it was out of the question.
That's when the star player on the other team, Mallory Holtman, asked the umpire if she and a teammate could carry Sara around the bases. It was an unprecedented request from an opponent fighting for a playoff berth, but the rules allowed it. Without hesitation, Mallory and shortstop Liz Wallace lifted Sara and carried her, lowering her to touch each base with her good leg.
To Mallory it was simple: "In the end, it's not about winning and losing so much; it was about this girl. She hit it over the fence and was in pain and deserved a home run."
Mallory was right. It's just common decency.
Sadly, such kindness isn't common at all in sports, and that's why all the coaches, players, and spectators who were stunned by this spontaneous act of sportsmanship wept. And that's how Mallory became a national hero.
By the way, her team lost 4-2, but in my eyes, everyone won.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
The sad follow-up is that some parents and fans complained to Mallory and the other player that by helping Sara they didn't have what it takes to win or that "Whatever It Takes to Win" attitude.
Posted by: Larry Gagnon | May 5, 2008 12:52 PM
I can agree with almost everything that Michael Josephson talks about. In this passage Michael talks about this girl who was injured in a baseball game. The other players from the opposite team asked if they could carry this injured girl to home base because she deserved it. I stopped and analyzed and I said to myself, Wow there are true heroes out there. Spiderman, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are not heroes. Yes, of course they are cool and incredible but the true heroes exist in every real person. It actually amazes me that there are people out there willing to help because now in modern times everyone just looks out for their own benefits.
Posted by: Sindy Herrera | May 7, 2008 10:52 AM
Although many deeds such as this seem rare in society and sports alike, it is merely because the majority of news that most people recognize is negative. I am sure if that were to happen to someone else, the situation would be handled the same. It really is up to you whether you decide to acknowledge the good in people. There are many people who do things, such as helping, daily. I for one, volunteer at a church full of willing, giving, and compassionate people. The world is not as horrible of a place as some people deem it to be. If one were to surround themselves with caring people who help, then one would not have such negative thoughts and outlooks and would take into account all of the non-selfish things people do. It is one's own will that decides the extent of one's kindness.
Posted by: sharlene sanchez | May 7, 2008 10:56 AM
Honestly, people are stubborn to accept things. That's the situation of Mallory. We have to accept people's perspectives of things but not be followers, and express the realistic feelings you have for another. I believe people are afraid to be compassionate. No one wants to be seen as a weak individual, but there are always those wonderful creatures who are not afraid.
Posted by: shirley | May 7, 2008 10:58 AM
Sara Tucholsky was injured & she had to crawl to first base but throw all her pain. She didn't give up. That just shows a lot about her & the other girl Mallory Holtman, the opponent willing to help her out. It would be horrible if Sara's home run would have been a waste, but lucky she had help. It's such a surprise to hear an opponent actually help their enemy. Not a lot of people do that! It's good to hear there are still decent people in the world.
Posted by: Jessica | May 7, 2008 10:59 AM
Didn't Western Oregon win the series? You stated they lost 4-2!
Posted by: Rick Otten | May 7, 2008 11:38 AM
If the home run (with two runners on base) counted, why did Western Oregon lose 4-2? Shouldn't they have scored (at least) three runs?
Posted by: Jeffrey L. Wissot, DDS | May 9, 2008 2:51 AM
A similar event happened at my daughter Zoe's sectional nordic ski championship event this February. The skier in front of her suddenly fell over and fainted. My daughter sprang into action, removing her skis and making sure the unconscious skier was breathing. Zoe stayed with the recovering skier until help arrived and then put her skis back on and finished the race, ten minutes behind the pack but to a rousing applause. When I asked Zoe whether, after all her hard training, it was a dilemma to stop, she replied, "Not at all, Dad, it was the only right thing to do."
Posted by: Rob Kesselring | May 9, 2008 7:37 AM
The team who helped the injured girl who hit the home run, lost.
So even though they lost, they really have a winning attitude.
Posted by: exlorenz | May 9, 2008 8:52 AM
THIS IS THE GREATEST STORY IN SPORTS IN RECENT YEARS!
It is such a shame that we will continue to hear about the Michael Vicks for years to come instead of the girls involved with this inspiring act of sportsmanship.
Years ago when I was in high school I hit a ball against the right field wall, but tore my ACL coming out of the batter’s box. My coaches and teammates yelled at me to run or crawl to first base. The opposing players and coaches were laughing. (To everyone’s defense, no one knew the extent of the injury at the time.) As I crawled to first base the right fielder threw the ball to the infield. The first baseman caught the ball and then started walking toward me to tag me out. I was surprised when he said “30 feet to go – you can do it!” and started clapping. As everyone cheered I tagged first base. No cameras, no press – just the greatest memory I have of my athletic career. BTW: The first baseman went on to become not only my best friend, but my brother-in-law. That was almost 35 years ago and he’s still making me pay for drinks…It was the most expensive single in history!
Posted by: Kimo | May 9, 2008 2:28 PM