OT - 10 years ago today, Armando Galarraga threw a perfect game
Record books can say what they like, we all know what it really was. For Tigers fans, undoubtedly a where-were-you-when moment. (Me: watching the 8th and 9th innings from my living room in Rhode Island where I lived at the time, and yelling unfortunate profanities at the TV.)
Some reading:
Jim Joyce clearly shouldn't have quit his day job as a novelist.
"What do you want me to do?! Give him the game?!" - Joyce immediately after the call
The shock from the Indians dugout was telling that the runner was out.
I was watching that game live on TV at home with my young daughters and kept telling them that they were watching something truly historic. And then, that play happened. I guess it ended up being historic anyway, just not in the manner I thought it was going to be.
28 out perfect game. Was watching with an ex in our little apartment in Farmington Hills at the time. Super memorable and will always remember Joyce's apology the next day for butchering that call and robbing a man of a once in a lifetime accomplishment.
Wow - that still seems like it was recently. Time goes by too quickly.
One of the most surreal moments I’ve ever witnessed.
Though I feel I’ve said that about a lot of Detroit and Michigan sporting events
I just deleted a bitter rant but if Armando Galarraga can let it go then I should too.
Quitter.
I was watching from my living room. The TV was above the fireplace and I was resting against the mantle glued to the TV only inches from my face. Followed by several WTFs.
maybe not a popular opinion as it shouldn’t have mattered, HE WAS OUT, but if Miggy let’s second base field the ball this would have never been in doubt. To clarify HE WAS OUT and there’s no excuse for the blown call.
History will show that Trevor Crowe had an infield single in the 9th to break it up.
Sorry, couldn't help myself, i will never forget watching that game.
I was at the game right down the 1st base line in the dugout. It was surreal to watch. Joyce just flat out choked in the moment. The call was so clear.
Gallaraga was such a gentleman about the whole thing. Joyce has a reputation as good ump and good guy. I feel bad for both men.
Hardly seems important with all the shit going on.
I remember catching the last inning and yelping at the bad call. Credit to Joyce for owning up to it afterwards, but really MLB should consider amending the record books because it wouldn't have changed the outcome one bit.
While Jim Joyce completely botched the call, if Cabrera hadn't try to play the hero, it's an easy out and the call never goes to the Umpire.
It's not HD, but here's a screenshot, and Carlos Guillen is right behind Cabrera, and in perfect position to make a very routine, quick and easy throw to 1st.
But since Cabrera ranged over, once he fielded the ball, he has pivot, and then wait an 2 seconds for Gallaraga to run over and make an awkward toe tap catch.
Jim Joyce still sucks though
Flash of brilliance. Galarraga didn’t have much of a successful career afterward.
Good article. I always wondered why the umps never got together and changed the call, but the story clarified that Joyce would’ve needed to say he pulled his foot to enable a conference, and he just called him safe, period. I think the fact he bobbled the catch is what contributed to it. It was before instant replay. Just bizarre.
Without a doubt in my mind, Galarraga was PERFECT that night.