A Lesson from Softball

The 2008 Olympic Games caused many people to think about athletics. Most of the publicity understandably centered on the winners, such as Michael Phelps and his amazing eight gold medals. Here's a story in which both teams were winners.

In April of 2008, the women's softball teams from Western Oregon University and Central Washington University faced each other in a game that had an impact on the playoff chances for both teams. In the second inning of the scoreless game, Western Oregon's Sara Tucholsky hit a three-run homer. What is especially amazing is that for Sara, a 5'2" senior who was not a regular starting player, it was her first home run ever--in college or high school. In her excitement, as she rounded first base, she missed the bag. As she turned back to touch it, her knee gave way (she tore a ligament) and she crumpled to the ground in pain. Softball rules state that no one on her team could touch her or she would be called out. The umpires ruled that she would have to be replaced by a pinch runner and her home run would be reduced to a single.

The star first baseman for Central Washington, Mallory Holtman, held her school's record for home runs. Holtman asked the umpire, "Would it be OK if we carried her around and she touched each bag?" The umpires agreed, and Holtman and Central Washington shortstop Liz Wallace picked up Tucholsky and carried her around the bases, lowering her so that she could touch each base with her good leg. After Sara touched home plate, Holtman and Wallace handed Sara over to her teammates amid a standing ovation from the crowd.

Sara Tucholsky's Western Oregon team won the game 4-2. But Sara, Mallory, Liz, all of their teammates and coaches, and the fans there that day will remember the game not for the score but for the compassion and character that were demonstrated on a softball diamond.

As we educate our children, let's remember to teach them to put other people above ourselves--and let's show them how that is done.