“I understand that nobody’s perfect, and it’s a hard job.”
Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga, responding to umpire Jim Joyces’s apology for his bad call that cost Galarraga a perfect game. After the game, Joyce told Galarraga “I’m so sorry in my heart. I don’t know what to tell you.”
NOTE ABOUT THE GAME: In a baseball game played on June 2, 2010, Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga nearly became the 21st pitcher in Major League history to throw a perfect game. Facing the Cleveland Indians, Galarraga retired the first 26 batters he faced, but his bid for a perfect game was ended one out short when first base umpire Jim Joyce incorrectly ruled that Indians batter Jason Donald reached first base safely on a ground ball. Galarraga instead finished with a one-hit shutout in a 3-0 victory. He faced 28 batters and threw just 88 pitches (67 strikes and 21 balls), striking out three. The blown call drew a large amount of negative attention to Joyce. Joyce was tearful and apologetic to Galarraga after the game upon realizing he had made the incorrect call. Galarraga was forgiving and understanding of the mistake and supported Joyce, as did many people throughout the major leagues. The sportsmanship demonstrated by Galarraga and Joyce earned them praise for their handling of the incident. The blown call has led to renewed discussions about whether instant replay in baseball should be expanded. (wikipedia.org)
Watch the play below:
