A Perfect Game … isn’t!
Well, it’s the talk of Tiger town and the country; even the President has chimed in on it. I am sure that our Friday show will revolve around, “the play heard round the world”.
On a warm June night at Comerica Park, history was set to unfold, for the 21st time in baseball history. It would’ve been a first for any Tiger pitcher … to pitch a perfect game. With twenty-seven batters up, twenty-seven batters down, and two outs in the ninth; after some great defensive help a lonely grounder between first base and second lead to the call that everyone dreaded… “Safe”.
How could that be? He was out by at least a step. Major league umpire James Joyce missed the call. Tiger pitcher Galarraga just smiled, first baseman Cabrera put his hands on his head, and Cleveland’s Jason Donald did the same in disbelief, wondering if he really beat out the play.
It was human error… a split decision on a bang bang play. The umpire had no luxury of instant replay, he made a call and thought he was right, until he saw the replay after the game and knew he had made a mistake.
Tears poured from fans faces. Boo’s and jeers were directed towards the umpire, and Tiger players gave him an earful. Tiger pitcher Gallaraga had a perfect game, but ended up retiring one more batter for a one hitter and shut out.
On Thursday, the umpire was behind the plate, and was greeted by some of the Tiger players with handshakes of sympathy and understanding. He was greeted with a warm welcome by Tiger fans who proved that this city is a professional sports town. Kudos to our fans and our teams. The umpire himself wiped tears away as he came onto the field on Thursday. The fans of Detroit rose above the situation and showed the country what we are made of. We know in our hearts that history was made on that June night at the COPA.
Nice words…It goes to show humility is part of the grand old game…Armando showed a great deal of composure, and sportsmanship…Jim Joyce, did the same, it didn’t matter if it came after the game, he did what was right…admitted he was wrong, took some heat, and went on to do his job….The tiger organization showed class, the fans showed class, even though there were a spatter of boos, this town could have shown some ugliness, but they didn’t…That was then,but lets not forget the most important part of the evening, the tigers won the game… So tiger fans, lets forget that fatefull evening, and go on, and cheer this team to more victories….
Comment by Chip — June 4, 2010 @ 9:16 am
Great comment, Chip!
That’s the true meaning of sportsmanship.
Comment by Roger — June 4, 2010 @ 9:24 am
GALARRAGA pitched a beautiful game but lets not forget the defense. BRANDON INGE made a spectacular play at third after a line drive redirected off of Galarragas foot, and threw out the runner by two steps…. And how about the catch in centerfield by AUSTIN JACKSON in the nineth inning? I take back my remark about him being more aggressive in the outfield. What a steal we got for this guy!! Remember what happened on June 2nd…. A great pitched game….. Defensive heroics….. Offensive power…… And one bad call.
Comment by KevfromtheManKave — June 4, 2010 @ 9:59 am
Great blog. Yes the Tigers all pitched in and helped out. The ump is human and they make mistakes time to time. No different than other sports. Good show tonight.
Comment by james — June 4, 2010 @ 11:36 pm
It was a pity. To bad for that kid.
Comment by terry — June 6, 2010 @ 11:39 am
Lets see what Gallaraga does in his next outing.
Comment by mark — June 6, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
What can you say? I know MLB will not overturn the call. I was watching the game at a bar that night and everyone in their was glued to the TV.It was still fun to see a Tiger almost achieve that feat. Keep up the good work on the show.
Comment by ken — June 8, 2010 @ 1:09 pm
I agree with Ken. (and you guys to)
Comment by Tim — June 8, 2010 @ 1:11 pm
What no perfect game hehehe.
Comment by john — June 8, 2010 @ 11:50 pm
Nice series against the Piratesa and No Mags
Comment by Tim — June 14, 2010 @ 2:46 pm