Life is not fair. Ask Armando Galarraga.
The Detroit Tiger pitcher was one out away from a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians, when a close play at first base involving Galarraga covering, was ruled in favor of hitter Jason Donald.
He was out, as Galarraga clearly had control of the ball and foot on first before Donald reached the base.
Umpire Jim Joyce, who made the call, was booed mercilessly immediately after the call, and for the rest of the time he was on the field.
The only excuse Joyce may be able to give is that it was a bang-bang play, and he could not be sure the Tiger right hander had complete control of the ball in his glove.
As much as that may be plausible, Galarraga and anyone at the game, or watching it on television was robbed of history in many ways.
This would have been the first time in baseball history three perfect games were thrown in one season, let alone two within one week. It also would have been the third in one season, the first time that would have happened since the 19th century.
Jim Joyce is not a bad umpire, but he clearly cost a pitcher a chance at a dream come true.
Galarraga was just a stop gap pitcher for Detroit this season, and earned his spot with the trade of Dontrelle Willis to Arizona for reliever Billy Buckner. Do you think this would have happened if the D-Train made a pit stop again in Detroit? No way.
I was able to watch this unfold live on MLB Network via Fox Sports Detroit. I am a White Sox, but also a fan of history. It was by chance that I even saw this happen, because I am also a Chicago Blackhawks fan. The game was being recorded so I could watch it with my dad when he got home from work. What a moment of chance for me to see another perfect game, but it was not meant to be.
To all of Detroit, Galarraga, and baseball fans, I am sorry for your loss.
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