Winning is Not Everything - Good Deeds Story # 4

A couple of months ago, a friend of mine sent me a link to one of the most compelling stories I’ve seen. It is one of those good deed stories that will reverberate for many years to come. The story is inspiring and it is hard not to watch it without tearing up…in a good way!

I will briefly set the stage for this story and then leave you to watch the video for yourself. It was the second game of a doubleheader between Central Washington and Western Oregon, and Sara Tucholsky was up to bat. She stepped up to the plate and slammed a homerun over the centerfield fence – her first ever in high school or college. This is the kind of moment all players dream about – making the great play that leads to victory. The problem was that Sara tore her ACL at first base and collapsed to the ground unable to continue to second base.

First baseman Mallory Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace from the opposing team asked if there was a rule that would prevent them from helping injured Sara around the bases in order to complete the homerun. They were assured there was no rule that would prevent them from helping the opposing team’s batter. So they carried her around the bases making sure she touched each base and finally touched down at home plate.

Some labeled this story true sportsmanship, but I think this definition stops short of defining the selfless actions of Mallory and Liz. Even though their team the Wildcats was eliminated, they won something far greater that day. Enjoy watching this inspirational and compelling story.

1 comment July 23rd, 2008