Thursday, April 26, 2018
PORTLAND, Ore. – The moment was considered the pinnacle of sportsmanship and it still stands one of the defining moments of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
Ten years ago, on Apr. 26, 2008, Western Oregon’s Sara Tucholsky hit what looked to be the first home run of her collegiate career, a three-run shot, in her senior season in a key game at Central Washington with NCAA Division II playoff implications.
It would happen to be her last. Initially missing first base on her home run trot, Tucholsky turned to return to first, and her knee turned in a way that it shouldn’t. She reached first, but in the process tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee.
By rule, if Tucholsky had been touched by a member of her team or a coach, or if she was replaced by a pinch-runner, the three-run homer would have been ruled a two-run single with the runner at first base. That appeared it would be the case until Central Washington’s Mallory Holtman asked, “Can I help her?”
The rules of the game clearly defined the penalty for assistance by one’s own team, but the rules did not say that the opposing team couldn’t help. Holtman and teammate Liz Wallace picked up Tucholsky, allowing her to softly touch each base as the three rounded the bases.
The moment made the three women into celebrities and has become one of the best examples of sportsmanship in the history of college sports. The three received an ESPY Award in 2008 for “Best Moment” and it continues to be shown worldwide.
In honor of the 10th anniversary of this incredible moment, we present the following links talking about the home run and the women involved.
NEWS FEATURES
“A Sports Gesture Touches Them All” – The New York Times, Apr. 30, 2008
“The Western Oregon Home Run That Won An ESPY And Changed College Softball Forever” – The Oregonian, Dec. 16, 2014
“Where Are They Now? Softball’s Touching Trio Still Attached To The Big Moment” – NCAA.com, May 3, 2013
VIDEOS
Coverage From ESPN’s First Take In 2008
Tucholsky, Holtman & Wallace On The Ellen Show
ESPN SportsCenter Feature On The Home Run