Detroit Tiger’s pitcher Armando Galarraga threw the 21st perfect game in 135 years of major league history tonight — and inconceivably the third this season.
Well, he would have, except that first base umpire Jim Joyce just didn’t know it and inexplicably called the 27th Cleveland batter safe at first when he was clearly out. Not even close.
Galarraga got the next batter to end the game and preserve the shut out.
Instant replay anyone?
Joyce apologized after the game and Galarraga accepted the apology with grace.
The first out in the ninth was a spectacular catch that preserved the perfect game for Joyce’s screw up. Here’s that video.
Oh, this made me cry and cry.
I bet this is what finally does bring instant replay to baseball.
A very good essay about the game and aftermath.
I didn’t cry over the blown call. That’s life. That’s baseball. But, I did cry over the essay that Ken posted. That’s beauty.