On June 2, Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers had 26 of 27 straight outs in a game, then on a close play at first the umpire Jim Joyce called the runner safe. I always think that call is a difficult one and as a armchair viewer of the game, I frequently call it wrong, but in this situation it was especially stressful for everyone: the umpire, the pitcher, the opposing team, the fans in the stands. Unfortunately, this call ruined a perfect game for the pitcher but the ump got it wrong; the runner was out by at least half a step. A disappointing ending for a run at a perfect game, but this is where the real story begins.
The umpire saw the replay in the clubhouse and immediately went to the Tigers locker room and tearfully apologized to Galarraga. He called for the media in the press room and apologized to a nation, then the next day he apologized in public in front of the fans. How many times do we make mistakes and hide behind excuses? How many other professionals in the spotlight like a major league umpire make huge miscues in their calls or plays and never apologize? As a 33 year professional and one of the best in baseball, he didn't have to do this, but he did. What a great example for all of us.
Also, on the pitcher's side, after the missed call was made, he did not argue. In an interview with Sports Illustrated Galarraga said of the apology, "He tried to talk. He'd say a couple words. 'You were perfect, I was not.' I felt so bad. I didn't feel bad for me. I felt bad for him." This pitcher missed a milestone that kids dream about in little league and the umpire "blew it," and he was humble about whole situation. He took it in stride with the best sportsmanship on display. Tiger fans and fans of sports of all kinds should look to Galarraga a a model as well.
I've been a Tiger fan for 26 years and I will always remember Galarraga not for his almost perfect game, but for the sportsmanship he displayed and for the honorable actions of Jim Joyce.
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