Abstract
June 2, 2010; Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit Tigers are playing the Cleveland Indians. With no pre-game hype, nobody expects anything out of the ordinary. Armondo Galarraga is on the mound for the Tigers. In 2009 he had a strong season, as he led the Tiger pitching staff for most of the year while completing his first winning season in the majors. But so far in 2010, he has struggled with his control, necessitating a stint with the Triple A Toledo Mudhens to fine-tune his game. Well, the fine-tuning is evident tonight, as he retires 26 consecutive Indian batters. Suspense builds as the game progresses to the ninth inning. The television commentators hesitate to speak of the possibility of a “perfect game,” for fear of jinxing the Bengal hurler. The excitement of the game soars in the last inning as Detroit’s center fielder, Austin Jackson, races to the center field warning track to make a spectacular, over-the-shoulder catch of a would-be triple by Mark Grudzielawek, thereby preserving Galarraga’s gem. Armando’s mind must be racing; he has never pitched a complete game in the majors, let alone a perfect one. With one more out, Galarraga could join baseball’s immortals and etch his name next to just 20 others who have accomplished the feat in over 100 years of play. As Indian shortstop, Jason Donald, strides to the plate, one more out lies between Armondo and baseball history. Donald hits a ground ball between first and second. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit’s powerful first baseman, fields the ball and flips to Galarraga as he races to first. Armondo takes the throw, touches the bag ahead of Jason Donald, and breaks into a big smile. The crowd in Detroit erupts in celebration. But the celebration is cut short as the first base umpire, Jim Joyce, flashes the safe sign and the baseball world chokes. The stadium falls silent as everyone wonders: How could this veteran umpire blow the biggest call of his career?
Everyone saw Armondo beat Jason Donald to first base by a full step. After the safe call, Cabrera briefly voiced his disbelief; manager Jim Leyland calmly questioned the call. But all in all, what followed was an astonishing display of self-control and sportsmanship not often seen in sports today. Galarraga strode to the mound and finished the game with great poise. The next batter grounded out to end the game. Armondo must have been sick inside since he, like everyone else, knew that he had been robbed of his place in baseball history. Yet, that day he showed no emotion other than the gentle smile he wore when he thought he had a perfect game. He engaged in no rampage or angry antics; he uttered no foul or angry words. He didn’t criticize the call or discredit the umpire. How rare is that in today’s sports world, when routine plays on the football field or basketball court often generate chest thumping, fist clenching proclamations of self-importance? Galarraga never lost his composure; he took the horrible wrong in stride, finished the game, and walked off the field with dignity. In doing so, he provided both kids and adults with a great example of self control, sportsmanship, and civility. He could have started a riot in Detroit that night, but instead he chose to take the higher path.
The post-game actions of umpire Jim Joyce also showed a level of dignity rarely seen in today’s sports world. After returning to the dressing room, Joyce watched the replay of his critical call and concluded that he made a mistake, that he had blown the call and, in doing so, had denied Galarraga a place in baseball history. But Joyce didn’t make excuses or avoid the media. Instead, he went immediately to the Detroit clubhouse, admited his mistake to the Detroit team and apologized to Galarraga. By recognizing his mistake and attempting to make amends, Joyce exhibited the type of mature, adult behavior all too often lacking in sports today.
Recently, Detroit hasn’t received much positive publicity because of its urban strife and corrupt politics of the past. However, umpire Joyce, pitcher Galarraga, and the entire Tiger organization deserve credit for the way they handled this crucial mistaken call. They demonstrated true sportsmanship and, in doing so, provided an example to us all.