On the day Ken Griffey Jr retires and the Stanley Cup gets interesting, we are discussing Armando Galarraga's near perfect game. And not in the good way. As you probably know by now, a mistaken call by first base umpire Jim Joyce, with 2 outs in the ninth, cost the Detroit Tiger the rare gem. Well maybe not so rare, since it's been done by Roy Halladay just a few days ago and Dallas Braden recently.
Viewing the video (embedded below) clearly shows Cleveland's Jason Donald out at 1st by a step. It wasn't one of those close call incidents. Yet Joyce, in an interview afterwards, had fully believed Donald was safe. But to his credit, he admitted his mistake, and went to Galarraga and apologized. The pitcher in return, accepted the apology. Class act by both, especially Galarraga, who has every right to be mad because he was robbed of his chance to be the in record books.
Besides Griffey, Galarraga, and Joyce himself, Tiger OF Austin Jackson was maligned by the mistake, as he made an incredible catch at the beginning of the inning to preserve the perfect game chance. No one is really discussing that. From all corners of the sports world, opinions were given as to what to do. On ESPN Radio's Mike & MIke show, the likes of NCAA Analyst Jay Bilas, SportCenter & NFL Live's Trey Wingo, and NFL Analyst Adam Schefter provided their take. Schefter had an interesting position. Have the game declared a "28 Out Perfect Game", making it such a gem, it could almost never be matched, and also allow Major League to make a one-time change.
More importantly though, this play may finally show Commission Bud Selig that instant replay is needed beyond Home Run or Foul Ball. While there should be nothing regarding balls and strikes, which are subjective, objective instances, such as whether a baserunner is safe or out should be available for review. At worst, make it reviewable in the 9th inning only.
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