When is a loss a win? When you are a part of the Central Washington University softball team! In a remarkable act of sportsmanship — or should we say sportswomanship — you help your opponent score a run against you in the conference championship series because it is the right thing to do.
Sara Tucholsky had never hit a homer over the fence in her high school or college career. At 5-foot-2, that is understandable. So when she hit one out with two on base, they scored easily. But in her excitement, Sara missed first base, and as she returned to touch it, her cleat hung and she injured her knee too badly to walk. So to prevent any possible rules violation for player assistance by her own, the career home run leader for the conference and a member of the opposing team, Mallory Holtman, asked the umpires if members of the opposing team could carry Sara and let her touch all the bases and get her home run. And that’s what happened.
In an era where parents grip and complain about coaches, umpires, improper calls, and even get into verbal and physical battles over games at a much less significant level, this example of kindness and respect should humble us all.
My question for each of us to ask is this: In the heat of a battle for the conference championship, would I have helped my opponent win the game like Mallory helped Sara’s team win?
For more information see: Girls, Sports, and Sportsmanship from the Saturday, May 10, issue of the New York Times.
