Every now and then sport gives you the opportunity to not only prove yourself as an athlete, but as a human being as well. This week, Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga took that opportunity.
On Wednesday, Galarraga was chasing that most elusive of feats, not just in baseball but in all sports; the perfect game. Only 20 players in MLB history have ever achieved it.
A perfect pitching game requires you to have successfully retired 27 consecutive batters, three in each of the nine innings without allowing a hit or surrendering a walk. Galarraga had 26 outs when history was interrupted.
Cleveland Indian Jason Donald hit a mistimed ball through the infield. Galarraga raced to first base to receive the throw and complete his perfect game. However, as he caught the ball, first base umpire Jim Joyce adjudged the throw to be too late and Donald was safe.
Galarraga allowed a slight wry smile to cross his lips before dropping his head in defeat. This is where the story becomes legend. His coaching staff and team-mates, having seen the replay and the fact that Donald was indeed out, launched into a tirade at the umpire who remained steadfast in his decision.
The game eventually continued and Detroit were victorious. After the game Joyce had a chance to see his mistake replayed over and over again and he was devastated. In his 22 year career he, as have all umpires, has made many mistakes. But none that have cost a player a spot in history.
Galarraga was disappointed that he had missed out but was nonetheless happy with his game and held no ill will towards umpire Joyce. Mistakes happen, we move on.
The next day, Detroit and Cleveland were due to play again and Jim Joyce was rostered on to be the home plate umpire. He was given the choice to not umpire the game but he chose to do his job.
He strode out to the middle of the diamond to a mixture of boos and claps from the fans and went to receive the starting lineups from the managers.
He was greeted by Armando Galarraga who had the Detroit lineup in his hand. Galarraga extended his hand and shook not only Joyce’s hand but also his composure. As Joyce wiped away tears at the gesture, Galarraga patted him on the back and said good luck before returning to the bench to rapturous applause.
Armando Galarraga had not only passed the test of baseball skill, he had passed the test of his character with flying colours.
After missing out on a spot in baseball history he assured himself a place in sporting folklore. In a sporting landscape dominated by money and fame, he proved there is still a place for sportsmanship and grace.
Sport still has a heart. Thanks for showing it to us, Armando Galarraga.
Frank
Guest
Stinger A pickup on your definition of a perfect game. I think it is important to stress that no runners reach base which means no batters are HPB and no errors are committed in addition to no hits or walks. Thank you for the story. Frank.
wallythefly
Guest
Great story, more MLB stories on the Roar plz!
TheStinger
Roar Rookie
To be a sports official you have to have an ability to stick with your decision and believe it is right even in the face of players howls of protests. You cannot second guess your self or you will be useless out there. However you must possess the courage to admit that you got a call wrong when you are faced with evidence of your mistake. This was not a judgement call, this was clear cut. And Jim Joyce immediately admitted he got it wrong and he had cost Galarraga big time. If more referees around the world and Australia were allowed to and had the courage to admit their mistakes, I believe the respect level from players and fans would increase markedly. But here in Australia as a player or coach you can't criticise umpires and the umpires cannot come out and explain their decisions and/or admit they got them wrong. It's ok for the Umpires Boss to come out and explain decisions but you really want to hear it from the umpire themselves. It creates a bad feeling between players and officials that needs to be addressed but sadly will not be any time soon.
pete berg
Guest
Great article This is a quote from the umpire: “It was the biggest call of my career and I kick the (stuff) out of it. I just cost that kid a perfect game. I thought he beat the throw. I was convinced he beat the throw, until I saw the replay.” Can you imagine a local ref/umpire saying something like this after a game?
Junior
Roar Guru
when i heard what happened last week, i tried to come up with the equivalent in any other sport. the closest i could come up with is a cricket umpire not giving a clear-as-day snick through to the keeper for the bowler's tenth wicket of an innings. even this doesn't really compare considering there have been two 10 wickets in an innings hauls in all test cricket out of about 2000 matches. in baseball, there has 20 perfect games, but over about 400,000 games! only magnifies joyce's blunder i guess, but agree both men handled the situation with a lot of class.
Joe O'Sullivan
Guest
Makes me even more excited about the new national competition kicking off this November.
Bulldog Bob
Guest
Great story Stinger. It's about time sportsmanship made a comeback to, not just baseball, but all sports. Yes, umpires make mistakes just like the players do but it takes a good man to admit his mistake. Too many try to justify their mistakes and make a mockery of their sport. We don't hear enough of these types of stories so a big thank you Stinger for bringing it to us.
sheek
Guest
Stinger, That's a wonderful story. Even bought a tear to my eyes - I'm a softie at heart myself.....
TheStinger
Roar Rookie
Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed it.
Brett McKay
Expert
great stuff Stinger, I don't follow baseball much at all, but really enjoyed your piece here, really well done..
TheStinger
Roar Rookie
Thanks Tristan. I heard on Sportscenter that the shortest time between three perfect games was around 1400 days, just over four years. As you say this would have been the third this year. Pitching is making a comeback after years of being belted around by gigantic hitters. Both participants in this story have proven themselves to be classy individuals. Can't ask for more than that.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Quite a story in the states - well told here. Well done to both men - it was a shocking decision when you catch a replay of the incident. I admire the umpire as well - he couldn't have been more devastated. Interestingly, this was to have been the 3rd perfect game thrown this season - where before it had only ever happened once in a season. Also Armando Galarraga had not exactly shown this stunning form before this game - I'm not sure if he even started this year.
Mark Young
Guest
What a great story! Thanks for sharing that with us Stinger. Have a good weekend mate!