Poor Poor Armando

Entering the 9th inning, Armandao Galarraga was just three outs away from a perfect game. Galarraga, clearly nervous, gives up a shot to center field that appears is going to fall. However, rookie centerfielder Austin Jackson did his best Willie Mays impression and made an over the shoulder catch to keep the perfect game in tact.

A groundout later, an Galarraga was one out away from history, and what would have been the third perfect game in less than 30 days. Until a roller was hit to the right side, and first baseman Miguel Cabrera questionably decided to field the ball, which appeared to be second baseman range. Cabrera caught it, took his time and hit the running Galarraga with a throw that lead him to the base. That was it. Armando Galarraga had become the third pitcher in 30 days to pitch a perfect game. BUT WAIT. Umpire Jim Joyce, called the runner safe.

Shortstop Jason Donald, hustled all the way down the line, and forced a split-second decision by umpire Jim Joyce at first base. Although the play was somewhat close, it is still hard to believe that Joyce blew this one. However, the question that came to my mind is why is Joyce calling it safe anyway? Unless it was a clear safe call, there would have been no complaints over the runner being called out in a 3-0 game that was for all purposes over.

There was no need for Joyce to put his career on the line with a decision like this. The once trusted umpire of 22 years will now have his career remembered for this game. No thanks to Jason Donald, I also was confused to as why Donald was busting it so hard down the line. It's one thing if you break up a perfect game in the fourth was a cheapo infield single, but on the last out of the game, it would have been nice for Donald to simply jog to first base, eliminating the possibility for all such drama.

Following the game, the Joyce blown call was all the talk of the sports world, with Facebook statuses and Twitter updates calling for the head of Jim Joyce. At first it was hard to sympathize for the guy who cost a no-name pitcher a chance at glory, but seeing his reaction during the game the following day had to make fans feel sorry for his mistake. Joyce was given the option of taking the day off, but instead he chose to stand behind the plate and ump.Prior to the game, Galarraga was given a car by the team and Joyce and Galarrage shared an emotional moment with each other, with Joyce shedding a few tears.

One thing we learned is that replay is necessary in baseball. Yes reviewing every close play would potentially add 30 minutes to an hour onto the ball game, but if the MLB were to adopt a plan similar to the NFL's challenge system, or the NHL's system it could work. If the MLB were to go the NFL route, managers could be given 1-2 challenges per game in which the head ump could review the call made on the field. This would not include arguments over balls and strikes, but close calls and each base could be made correctly. Another suggestion would be to do what the NHL does and consult with league officials upon calls. Instead of having the umpires leave the field, they could call a league official who can tell them the right call. These options wouldn't add too much time to the game, and would insure that disasters like Galarraga's near perfect game didn't occur again.

Still, the thing that I come away with after all this was the class of Armando Galarraga. He was put in a position that would have seen many players verbally attack the umpire, but he just smiled and retired the next batter. Although clearly upset with the situation, Galarraga set a great example for baseball players around the league, and deserves a lot of credit.