Indy-Leaguer tears ACL after hitting homer, hops around bases on one leg

Baseball is an emotional roller coaster with an ability to change course in an instant. Unfortunately for Sean Smith of the independent Atlantic League's York Revolution, he experienced the roller coaster firsthand on Friday night, and the results were both painful and heart-warming.

Ninety feet after Smith connected on a game-tying home run in Game 3 of the Atlantic League playoffs, he crumpled to the ground in pain. While watching the baseball leave the yard and likely pondering what may have been the biggest hit of his professional career, Smith awkwardly stepped on the first-base bag and went right down. In that one unlucky instant, the ACL in his right knee was torn.

From the highest highs and what was to be a joyride around the bases, to the lowest of all low feelings, immediately knowing of the long road to recovery he'll be facing.

Smith knew, too. After willing himself to his feet, he was unable to put any weight on his right leg. Still, he had another 270 to go, and he was going to finish it one way or another.

Halfway to second base, Smith motioned to one of the umpires that his knee was gone, but he was going to keep going. And keep going he did, gaining more momentum with each hop on his left leg.

By the time he neared third base, he'd hit his stride, and every fan in the stadium was behind him. As the roar built, Smith fired them up even more by pounding on his chest. Then, he made the turn for the home stretch and saw that waiting for him at home was every single one of his teammates.

It was both heart-breaking and beautiful to watch as Smith hopped those final 90 feet. Those emotions only heightened as Smith crossed home and was immediately embraced by his teammates, who then carried their injured hero off the field.

It almost felt like a scene out of a movie. Right on down to Smith celebrating with his teammates on crutches after they pulled out the victory.

But it was very real. And it was undoubtedly one of the coolest moments we've seen in baseball all year.

Good for you, Sean Smith. Now get well soon.

BLS H/N: Eye on Baseball

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Mark Townsend

is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813