Just when you thought it was safe to go into the water for Major League Baseball umpires, MLB umpire Jim Joyce made a controversial call that cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga the 21st perfect game in Major League History.
Sure, many people are calling the play as clear as day with the benefit of instant replay but there were only seconds that Joyce had to make the correct call. Seriously, mere seconds to make the right call. So for all the critics that Joyce blew that call was blatantly obvious, you probably would have most likely made the same call he did. Joyce has even apologized for blowing it, so the baseball gods have their pound of flesh.
Now, it's possible that MLB under the guidance of Bud Selig might review this mistake and eventually award Galarraga the perfect game but I doubt it. During the history of Major League Baseball, there have been many controversial calls that could have been over-turned due to the benefit of instant replay that were more important than a mere perfect game go awry.
I'm not saying that Bud Selig might not overturn it but it will set a dangerous precedence if he does. If it occurs, any little minor thing that could change a game will be asked to be overturned which will cause a fire-storm of, "If you did it for Armando Galarraga, why can't you do it for us?" So for once, Bud should make the right decision and not do anything about it.
Hell, this might be the publicity stunt that gets Major League Baseball to jump into the 21st century and have instant replay reviewing certain calls that can turn the tide of a game. So if that happens, Galarraga's missed perfection wasn't for naught after all. It will impact the future of every other blown call or no-hitter/perfect game blown taken away because of the human error that is the Major League Baseball umpire.
At least Armando can take solace that he pitched one amazing performance and now is on everyone's radar whether they are a baseball fan or not. Even if Major League Baseball refuses to overturn it, it will be a perfect game in the eyes of Mr. Galaragga and the state of Michigan.
Hey if the Michigan governor proclaims it, it must be true.
Armando Galarraga's Imperfect Game
