Of Perfect Games and Blown Calls

“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.”

Those are the words of Major League Umpire Jim Joyce after making a call that, in fact, did cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game. It would have been a record-breaking third perfect game of this still-young season.

I didn’t see it live but watched a replay of the final inning moments later. When I saw the call it really bothered me. I had a knot in my stomach. And I’m not even a Tigers fan! (I’m a Phillies fan and was VERY happy with Roy Halladay’s perfect game last week).

But I was bothered by it and kind of threw me off for the rest of the night.

But two notes on this:

First, Galarraga acted with class when the call was made, maintained his composure and got the next batter out, coming away with a one-hitter. Disappointing? Yes, but still an amazing game.

Second, Jim Joyce admitted his mistake and also acted with class. He made the call that he thought was correct (remember, umpires are human and we all make mistakes) and stood firm. But after the game and after seeing the replay, he admitted he was wrong.

Joyce is now and forever going to be labeled as “that” guy. He is going to be hated by millions, and may never be able to call a game in Detroit ever again. But he made a mistake, plain and simple. As upset as we might be, who’s to say we wouldn’t have done the same thing in his shoes?

We’ll be seeing this replay over and over again for the rest of the season. We will be reminded of it in seasons to come. Both Galarraga and Joyce will be remembered for this night, but…the season will continue and baseball will move on.

Kudos to Armando Galarraga for pitching an amazing “perfect game” (and for not letting it rattle him), and kudos to Jim Joyce for owning up to his mistake.

So whether it’s in person or online:

• Keep your composure
• Stay classy
• Admit your mistakes

And if you do these things in the public eye, people will remember…and they will do so for all of the right reasons. This is what builds trust and respect.

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