nemokc's Blog

Sarah Tucholsky of Western Oregon University hit a home run yesterday during a women's college softball game with two runners on base.   This would not be newsworthy except that while running the bases....she tore a ligament in her knee and couldn't finish running the bases.

According to the umpire the rules are clear...if her teammates helped her, she was out.   If a pinch runner was used, then it would only count as a single and Western Oregon wouldn't score.   

Then something wonderful happened.    First baseman Mallory Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace went out and carried Ms. Tucholsky around the bases driving in two runs.    You see, Ms. Holtman & Ms. Tucholsky play for Central Washington....the opposing team.    Western Oregon University won the playoff game & advanced.    Central Washington is now out of the playoffs.

“In the end, it is not about winning and losing so much,” Holtman said. “It was about this girl. She hit it over the fence and was in pain, and she deserved a home run.”  

You see, she understands a basic truth about life & softball...winning isn't everything.   A "hollow victory" may be a win but it's a moral loss.   How you win or lose is more important than merely winning.

If only our politicians on both sides of the aisle could learn this lesson!