Sally made things happen

There’s an old adage attributed to Tommy Lasorda that says there are three types of ballplayers. Ones that make things happen. Ones that watch things happen. Ones that don’t know what’s happening. Sally Jackson was a ballplayer that definitely made things happen.

Though perhaps known best publicly for her politics it was her never ending commitment to the community, particularly its youth, which endeared me to her. There are an untold number of children she taught how to swim and literally thousands upon thousands of young girls who were given the opportunity to play softball through the SVGSA, the league that she founded, that otherwise would never have had that chance. Her impact in the Valley was simply enormous.

As a frequent contributor to this newspapers editorial comment section Sally was often vilified by others for her beliefs. I once asked her how she dealt with the harsh backlash and criticism that sometimes came her way. “Sweetie” she replied with that classic swagger of hers, “that don’t bother me. Ain’t any of them boys I couldn’t lick in a street fight.”

Yes you could Sally. And indeed you did. Rest in peace knowing you made this world a better place than how you found it.

Dan Harder

Spokane Valley