The perfect game is a goal of every pitcher in every level of baseball. On Wednesday night Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers was on the verge of a perfect game. 26 outs down, one to go and Galarraga delivered what should have been the final pitch to Jason Donald of the Indians. Donald hit a grounder, ran to first and was clearly out. Inexplicably, umpire Jim Joyce called him "Safe." The boos rained down on the field, Galarraga was incredulous, and even the runner looked stunned.
After the next final out, the umpires headed for their locker room while getting an earful from the Tiger's manager. Joyce decided to look at the replay in the locker room and he was shocked and came out immediately saying "It was the biggest call of my career and I blew it... I just cost that kid a perfect game."
Tiger's general manager Dave Dombrowski said Joyce asked to speak with Galarraga in order to apologize. Galarraga was surprised and impressed saying "You don't see an umpire after the game come out and say, 'Hey, let me tell you I'm sorry,' "
In today's game between the same two teams, Joyce was assigned to be the home plate umpire. Galarraga fittingly delivered the line up card and one could clearly see Joyce wiping his eyes as Galarraga talked to him. He looked like a man who had been given the gift of forgiveness. Galarraga patted Joyce on the back while the crowd booed and the two men seemed to experience their own private moment regardless of outside reaction.
Galarraga may have missed making history, but he sure gained a spot on the list of all time classy athletes. My guess is Galarraga will some day get his perfect game, and he'll know it's really his second!
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