| Help From a Rival |
| Written by Jan Strasser | |
|
Playing baseball was important to Sara. When she made her first home run that day she was so excited, she missed first base. Realizing her mistake, she turned around and headed back to the bag but that action sent Sara to the ground in agony, something had happened to her knee. Determined to finish, Sara crawled back to first base but was unable to move from there. The umpires said Sara could not be helped and if a substitute runner came in, the hit would be counted as a single. Her coach didn't know what to do; it had been Sara's only home run in 4 years, she had wanted this very badly. Seeing all the concern the opposing team's first baseman came forward and asked if they could carry Sara around the bases. Dumfounded, the umpires replied the rules did not forbid it. The first baseman and shortstop went to Sara, picked her up. They proceeded to carry their rival teammate around the bases, stopping at each one so Sara could touch the bases with the unaffected leg. Laughing, the women wondered what they looked like. When they hit home plate they saw their answer, many were crying. Sara's team won the game which prevented the rival team from winning the conference and advancing to the playoffs. What was so extraordinary about this? Was it great sportsmanship? No, it's defined as fairness and honesty in sports. This act fell in another category. It showed respect for another person. It was an act of kindness, not anticipated, not even encouraged. An unselfish act we all hope we can rise to when the time comes. |
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