Piazza Injured; Where's the Sportsmanship?
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by user Tylersalt
During last night's A's-Red Sox game, Oakland designated hitter Mike Piazza was injured on a play at third. He sprained his shoulder and will miss 4-6 weeks. He was hurt when he collided with Boston 3rd baseman Mike Lowell while sliding head-first into third trying to avoid a tag.
Lowell immediately asked if Piazza was OK, but it was clear that something was wrong. However, this was the only sign of either concern or even recognition vis-a-vis the injury by any of the Red Sox players. I understand that going over to him would be inappropriate, since the training and medical staff need room to do their thing, but this is one of their fellow ballplayers in obvious pain coming off the field.
In Ultimate and in my IM softball league here at school, whenever someone goes down injured everyone on both teams gives them a round of applause when they get up and walk off the field. It seems to me that this is the way to react with good sportsmanship and respect for your opponent, and I would like to see that from the professionals. That's not too much to ask, is it?
