Yesterday was “Throwback Thursday” and I spent a majority of
the day prepping for our end-of-season softball banquet. As I was going about my things, I was
thinking of a viral video that I actually cared about or even remembered taking
the time to watch. The viral video I
chose isn’t the type that received millions and millions of views. Instead, it is one that is known within the
softball community. The incident occurred
six years ago and I can still remember being a junior in high school when the
event occurred.
In a conference championship game between Western Oregon and
Central Washington, Sara Tucholsky hit her first career homerun. As she was running around first, she missed
the bag. Knowing she had to return and
touch the bag, she turned around but her knee did not. She fell back to first in agonizing pain
knowing she had just blown out her knee.
Her coaches or players were not allowed to touch her otherwise she would
be called “Out.” Her coach could have
put in a pinch runner, but that would only go down in the book as a two-run
single. At that moment, Mallory Hooltman
from Central Washington who had hit many homeruns in her career asked the homeplate
umpire if she and one of her teammates could carry Sara around the bases. With permission, Sara was carried around the
bases by the opposing team who lowered her left foot down to the bag so she
could “Touch them all.”
This viral video is unique in that it showcases true
sportsmanship and character. Many viral
videos are full of nothing. Being stupid
is usually what makes a lot of viral videos appealing and captivating. While some viral videos capture amazing human
capabilities. Not many viral videos take
the time to showcase good happening in our society. In a world where more negative is talked and
written about, this video shines through demonstrating that good is still being
done.
As a former player and now coach, I have never seen
something so moving occur before.
Athletes injure themselves every day.
The injuries are usually outweighed by the benefits such as teams winning
championships, players breaking records, and communities coming together. But these benefits fade with time. The true benefits are showcased in moments
like these where the benefits are woven into who the young athlete is. Benefits that make a athlete a player of
character who can take the benefits and contribute good into society. As a coach, I incorporate and stress teamwork
and positivity in everything that happens.
When both are working together, good things and good players come out of
it.
