The Only 28 Batter Perfect Game
Everyone’s been talking about Jim Joyce these past couple days. And Bud Selig. One of the local newscasters skewered Selig and implied that it’s his fault that Jim Joyce is getting death threats. Stupid. I think that particular sportscaster is a clone, which would explain his need to be edgy and harsh. Doesn’t make him any smarter though.
For those who aren’t aware, somehow, of the controversy: Armando Galarraga retired the first 26 batters pitching for the Detroit Tigers against the Cleveland Indians. No walks, no hits, no errors. One more out and he would have a perfect game. The 27th batter hit a grounder to between first and second. The first baseman ranged over, got the ball and threw to Galarraga who was covering first base. The throw was in time, Galarraga’s foot was on the bag and the batter was out. Galarraga had the 21st perfect game in major league history. Except the umpire didn’t call the batter out. He spread his arms in that familiar pose and for the first time all night said “safe.” Looking at the replay later, he knew he made a mistake. But baseball doesn’t use replay for calls like that. The only possible solution for this poor pitcher, who did get the 28th batter out, is for the commissioner of baseball to overturn the umpire’s decision and award the perfect game.
This is the best article I’ve read on the issue, and really, one of the best sports stories I’ve ever read (which isn’t saying much in all honesty because most sports stories are terrible).
June 4, 2010
Posted in: Sports
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