On the other hand, we're also fond of using games to teach our children the value of good sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork.
Rarely do we get to see those values play out as they did on a softball field in Oregon a few weekends ago.
Western's Sara Tucholsky was at bat. Her first swing was a strike. Her second was a home run - and not just any home run. Tucholsky's first homer ever was a three-run slammer that flew out of the park.
Tucholsky sprinted toward first base but, watching her homer sail over the center-field fence, she overshot first and pivoted to run back.
That's when the ligament in her knee tore. She fell to the ground - and crawled the rest of the way back to first base.
And there she stayed. According to the rules of the game, Tucholsky couldn't accept help from her teammates or she'd be called out, and if she were replaced by a pinch runner, her home run would be replaced by a single. So she remained on first base, her teammates unable to touch her.
That's when the other team stepped in to help her instead.
Two members of the Central Washington University team - shortstop Liz Wallace and first baseman Mallory Holtman - asked if they could carry her the rest of the way home. The umpire could find no rule against it. So they cradled Tucholsky in their arms, allowing her unhurt leg to touch down on each of the bases as they passed.
By the time they reached home plate, the crowd was on its feet, roaring its approval.
After delivering Tucholsky safely back to her team, Wallace and Holtman returned to the game. Their team ultimately lost 4-2, which meant they also lost their shot at the playoffs - but gained something far greater.
In the days since, the story has been told and retold - especially in the Bitterroot, where Wallace is well-known as a former player for the Florence Falcons (back when she played under her maiden name, Ashworth). Her actions on that softball field in Oregon are a tremendous source of pride for all of us in Montana, where the spirit of sportsmanship is alive and well.
Liz Wallace and Mallory Holtman: Thank you for reminding us all that winning is never so important as how you play the game.
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