Something incredible happened recently in a girls college softball game in Washington State.

   A softball player for Western Oregon hit what appeared to be a game winning three run home run against rival Central Washington.  Sara Tucholsky hit the homer.  Near first base, her knee went out.  Tucholsky collpased to the ground with a torn ACL. 

    In extreme pain she crawled back to first base.  The umpires huddled and decided that it would only be counted as a homerun if Tucholsky could make it around the bases without any help.  Well, she couldn't do it.  She laid on the ground sobbing and no one quite knew what to do. 

   That's when Central Washington first baseman Mallory Holtman spoke up, "Excuse me.  Would it be OK if we carried her around and she touched each bag?"  Once again the umpires huddled up.  Yes, they decided that would be allowed.

   Holtman and shortstop Liz Wallace picked Tucholsky up and carried her to each base.  At second base they gently set her down so she could touch the bag.  They did the same thing at third, and finally at home.  The homerun counted.  And it was the first of Tucholsky's career.

   Tucholsky's team won that game.  And with the loss, Holtman and Wallace and Central Washington probably will not make the post season. 

   After the game Holtman was modest, "Honestly, it's one of those things that I hope anyone would do it for me.  She hit the ball over the fence. She's a senior; it's her last year. … I don't know, it's just one of those things."

  Sportsmanship is alive and well. 

   What are your thoughts?  jmercure@todaystmj4.com