August 7, 1982. Fenway Park.
A four-year-old boy in the stands was hit in the head by a speeding foul ball. Gasps rippled through the stadium as the crowd froze—everyone except Jim Rice.
Without hesitation, the Boston Red Sox slugger sprinted from the dugout, scooped up the unconscious boy, and carried him through the crowd to the team’s medical staff. There was no time to wait for EMTs. Jim laid the child on the dugout floor, where doctors immediately began emergency treatment.
Doctors later said Rice’s quick actions likely saved the boy’s life. The injury was severe, and precious minutes were gained because one man acted on instinct and kindness.
Jim returned to the game that day, wearing a bloodstained uniform. But no one saw a stain—they saw a badge of courage.
He later visited the boy in the hospital and made sure his family felt supported. In a sport known for stats and stories, this was something far greater.
This is what a hero looks like.
