May 2, 2008
NOW THAT'S AMERICAN:
Opponents carry injured home-run hitter around bases (Associated Press, April 30, 2008)
With two runners on base and a strike against her, Sara Tucholsky of Western Oregon University uncorked her best swing and did something she had never done, in high school or college. Her first home run cleared the center-field fence.Posted by Orrin Judd at May 2, 2008 6:16 AMBut it appeared to be the shortest of dreams come true when she missed first base, started back to tag it and collapsed with a knee injury.
She crawled back to first but could do no more. The first-base coach said she would be called out if her teammates tried to help her. Or, the umpire said, a pinch runner could be called in, and the homer would count as a single.
Then, members of the Central Washington University softball team stunned spectators by carrying Tucholsky around the bases Saturday so the three-run homer would count - an act that contributed to their own elimination from the playoffs.
Of course, the ump missed the call. A substitute runner should have been allowed to circle the bases and score the run. Of course, perhaps the ump blowing it is American too.
Mr. Judd, you should know that, too. Remember Gabe Kepler a few years back tearing his Achilles on Tony Graffanino's homer?
Posted by: John Thacker at May 2, 2008 8:42 AMClass.
Posted by: Mike Morley at May 2, 2008 9:32 AMEven The Wife knew that, as did the ump. But she'd not have been credited with a homerun.
Posted by: oj at May 2, 2008 2:26 PM