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Trish18

An injured Kirk Gibson hitting a pinch-hit walk-off home run off in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series. Joe Carter crushing a walk-off home run to win the 1993 World Series. Becky Marx sending one over while trailing UCLA to tie the game and get University of Michigan back in the title hunt at the Women’s College World Series. These home runs are seared into my memory. They repeatedly make highlight reels and are iconic in the world of sports. But a home run in the recent Western Oregon and Central Washington softball contest perhaps should be celebrated above all.

 

A post-season appearance hinged on the outcome of the game. Western Oregon senior Sara Tucholsky had never hit a home run in her career. Tucholsky came to the plate in the top of the second inning of the second game with two runners on base and a 0-0 score. She had just three hits in 34 at-bats this season, but she drove a pitch over the centerfield fence.

 

In her excitement, she missed first base on her home run trot and reversed direction to tag the bag. She tore a ligament in her knee in doing so and crumbled to the ground. While she crawled back to first base, her two teammates crossed the plate, leaving her the only offensive player on the field.

 

The umpires confirmed that the only option available under the rules was to replace Tucholsky at first base with a pinch runner and have the hit recorded as a two-run single instead of a three-run home run. Any assistance from coaches or trainers while she was an active runner would result in an out.

 

And then an opposing player, Mallory Holtman, asked if it would it be OK if she helped carry her around and touch each bag.

 

"Honestly, it's one of those things that I hope anyone would do it for me," Holtman explained. "She hit the ball over her fence. She's a senior; it's her last year…I think anyone who knew that we could touch her would have offered to do it, just because it's the right thing to do."

 

Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace lifted Tucholsky off the ground and supported her weight between them as they began perhaps the longest and most crowded home run trot in the game's history.

Accompanied by a standing ovation from the fans, they finally reached home plate and passed the home run hitter into the arms of her own teammates. Then Holtman and Wallace returned to their positions and tried to win the game.

 

Central Washington did rally for two runs in the bottom of the second, but Western Oregon held on for a 4-2 win—the winning run a result of one of the most astounding acts of sportsmanship I have ever seen.

Check it out, and add this home run to the list of most memorable ones you have ever seen:

 

8,857 Views Tags: ncaa, trish-oberhaus, softball, college, sportsmanship


Comments (13)
May 7, 2008 8:08 PM Guest Becky  says:

Thanks for the shout-out buddy!!!
May 14, 2008 8:11 AM Guest Sandi Wagner  says:

I am a softball mom for more years than I care to count and have seen many wonderful acts of sportsmanship over the years. I've also seen the other side of the game. THIS is why my daughter plays softball. What a magnificent act by these players. The people are the most important part of the sport. We can make it what we want - good or bad. Thank you ladies. My heart and my daughter's heart have been touched by your act of mercy. You will be blessed because of your choice. Congratulations!
May 14, 2008 12:41 PM Guest Pat  says:

This is just amazing. It shows true sportsmanship and would make any mother proud. My daughter is a pitcher on her team.  I can proudly say that even though she does the attitude thing with me when she is on the field every once in a while, she is still a very good sport.  If she throws a wild pitch and hits a batter, she calls time out and goes over to the batter to first apologize for the hit and second to make sure she (the batter) is o.k.. I have tried teaching my children to do the right thing no matter what the situation and it shows that there there are players everywhere that do just that.
May 14, 2008 2:25 PM Guest Travis g Franks  says:

I have been a coach for some time now, Middle school ball and summer rec leagues . And I really try to preach  on true sportsmanship .this is one of the best sports stories i've heard in a long time. i took this to all my girls and let them read this just to let them now it's not all about winning or loosing, BUT how the game is PLAYED.  If only some of the payed proffesional sports players could ack like these fine outstanding young ladies do.    THANKS so much and girls keep up the good work

                                                                     Yours truly TRAVIS
May 14, 2008 4:57 PM Guest Bobby D  says:

Like many of the people who will read this story I am truly amazed. I have coached girls softball, slow & fast pitch, recreational, travel & high school and never encountered a condition as such. It brought water to my eyes and a great feeling of sportsmanship euphoria. That needs to be a national headline. My hat comes off and my heart goes out to those super competitors who unselfishly performed an act of true sportsmanship. It is such a feel good, heart felt scenario.
May 14, 2008 6:27 PM Guest Rocky P  says:

I have coached many years and am proud to now be an High School & Junior College umpire.  I have seen officiated in some great contests at a local and national level involving some great athletes and some wonderful demonstrations of sportsmanship.

 

I am deeply moved by not only the act of kindness by these opposing teammates, but also by the coach who did not interefere with the uncommon act demonstrated by these two fine young women.

 

This short video speaks more than any sportsmanship seminar or book could ever hope.  The actions of these two players are not a testament to what they were that day, but a certification of who they are as people.  Their teammates, coaches, school administration and especially their parents should be proud to know these ladies.

 

WOW!
May 18, 2008 2:22 PM Guest I*LOVE*SOFTBALL  says:

Wow I had three sofbtall games today. I got dehydrated  got a headache...I thought that was bad!
May 19, 2008 9:36 AM Guest Bill  says:

Great act of sportsmanship but unnecessary if the umpires who working the game knew their rules.  ASA rule 4, section 6, item E states "If an injury to a batter-runner prevents them from proceeding to an awarded base, and the ball is dead, the batter-runner may be substituted for.  The substitute will be allowed to procede to any awarded base(s).  The substitute must legally touch any awarded or missed base(s) not previously touched.  This is not a courtesy runner, but a legal substitution."  The exact same thing happened several years ago to Gabe Kapler when he was with the Red Sox.  He hit a homer against Totronto and ruptured his achellies as he rounded second base.  A runner was placed in the game and finished the trip around the bases for Kapler.  Again I tip my hat to the team for showing a great act of class, but they should have never been put in that position.
May 23, 2008 10:13 AM Guest Walter  says:

This is awesome...  U wud never see guys do this...  WOMEN R AWESOME!!!!!
May 28, 2008 8:36 PM Guest Jamie  says:

I have been playing softball for 12 years and this is truly the best sportsmanship I have ever seen. i cried when I first heard about what these wonderful young women did and it reminds us that it's not always about winning it's about having fun and the good sportsmanship. Two the young women who carried the opposite teammate around the bases I have to say that you are beautiful people who have not forgotten what the game is really about. Best of luck to Sara and I hope for you a speedy recovery.
Jun 6, 2008 7:32 AM Guest Harvey Kochel  says:

This act does not surprise me from a team coached by Gary Frederick.  I played baseball for Coach Frederick at Central Washington when we were 3rd in the Nation.  He is a shining example of what coaching is all about.  He teaches sound principles, works his players hard, and is a great communicator.  This act of sportsmanship exhibited by his team is what he is all about.  Congratulations Coach on a great career working with athletes and college students.  I, and many of your other former players, thank you and commend you on a marvelous coaching career.
Jun 8, 2008 9:03 PM Guest ldmyers  says:

This is what sportsmanship is all about.
Sep 15, 2008 8:55 AM Guest Sports Blogger  says:

That is sportsmenship! It makes me proud to see

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