The actions of one Langley fast pitch team has earned them a one-of-a-kind award recognizing extraordinary sportsmanship.
The 97 Fraser Valley Fusion Fast Pitch Team were playing a playoff game against Surrey at the provincial championships in Victoria, where a loss would have ended their chances for advancing for a medal.
Gord O’Grady, head coach of the 97 Fusion, said during the game an opposing player hit a three-run home run to tie the game. However, as the player rounded first base she twisted her knee. She tried to keep going but fell to the ground just after rounding third base. If her team assisted her, she would have been called out.
That is when the Fusion players decided they would help the wounded opposing player.
They picked her up and carried her the rest of the way, over the home plate, tying the game.
Raelyn Radovich, who was the injured player, couldn’t believe the opposing team was helping her like that. “You know you don’t have to do that, most people wouldn’t do that,” she said. “But the fact that they did that in such an intense game, really shows a lot.”
O’Grady said there was not a dry eye in the house.
While the Fusion did go on to win the playoff game, they lost in the gold medal game.
However, they are being recognized for what they did that day. Every year, the St. Louis Sports Commission seeks to honour the best sportsmanship moments and people of the past year.
These awards, called the Musial Awards, celebrates extraordinary sportsmanship and this year the Fraser Valley Fusion 97 has been selected to be honoured for their extraordinary character and selflessness at the awards in St. Louis on November 9. The Commission has offered to cover flights and accommodations for two people to attend, but parents and team management would like the team to attend.
If you would like to help send the team to St. Louis online contributions can be made direct to the team.
Receipts are prepared for all donations.
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