On June 2, 2010 an imperfect call made by first-base umpire Jim Joyce obliterated the perfect game thrown by Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga. Joyce made a decisive but incorrect call on a close play at the bag, and the bid for a perfect game and a no-hitter was gone in an instant. Galarraga was shocked and disappointed and angered but reacted without histrionics or outward frustration. He retired the next batter and the game went into the official scorebook as a 1-hit shutout. Afterward, Joyce saw instant replay of the moment and admitted he missed the call which would have ended the game, and sent the pitcher into immortality.
Without hesitation and before showering or taking off his gear, Joyce requested a meeting with Galarraga and his President/General Manager. The reluctant pitcher and his employer met Joyce, who admitted his mistake and apologized to the pitcher. Joyce had tears in his eyes and expressed how terrible he felt about his mistake. Galarraga appreciated the honesty and gave his forgiveness. The next day, Joyce made a public apology to Galarraga and his manager during the pre-game exchange of lineups and expressed his contrition. Galarraga patted him on the shoulder, and the next game began.
A man of greatness is not perfect. No man is. If you make a mistake, admit it. Immediately. Apologize, and request understanding. A man of greatness accepts an apology, and life continues. It wasn’t a perfect game, but it was a perfect display of mutual respect and exemplary sportsmanship.
From September 2010, http://raising-a-man.tumblr.com
Without hesitation and before showering or taking off his gear, Joyce requested a meeting with Galarraga and his President/General Manager. The reluctant pitcher and his employer met Joyce, who admitted his mistake and apologized to the pitcher. Joyce had tears in his eyes and expressed how terrible he felt about his mistake. Galarraga appreciated the honesty and gave his forgiveness. The next day, Joyce made a public apology to Galarraga and his manager during the pre-game exchange of lineups and expressed his contrition. Galarraga patted him on the shoulder, and the next game began.
A man of greatness is not perfect. No man is. If you make a mistake, admit it. Immediately. Apologize, and request understanding. A man of greatness accepts an apology, and life continues. It wasn’t a perfect game, but it was a perfect display of mutual respect and exemplary sportsmanship.
From September 2010, http://raising-a-man.tumblr.com
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