Video: Tigers pitcher hands lineup card to ump that robbed him of perfect game
posted at 3:35 pm on June 3, 2010 by Allahpundit
High drama in Detroit for the second straight day thanks to an unusual act of contrition last night by umpire Jim Joyce and a preternatural show of class from Galarraga, who said of the blown call after the game (with pinpoint irony), “Nobody’s perfect.” Debbie Stabenow, who evidently has nothing better to do with her time, issued a statement this morning calling on MLB to reverse Joyce’s call and award Galarraga a perfect game. Bud Selig was considering it, but just as I’m writing this, news is breaking that he’s decided against it. Reversal after-the-fact is a precedent they’re understandably reluctant to set, and truth be told, it wouldn’t matter at this point. Everyone in the world, Joyce included, knows that Galarraga pitched a perfect game. Like Harvey Haddix and Ernie Shore, his place in history is secure.
But that’s not to say we shouldn’t have instant replay. I’m seeing arguments today that blowing the call was, in a way, actually better than getting it right since it created a more memorable moment than the perfect game would have been. To which I say: Tell it to Cardinals fans who are still smarting over Don Denkinger’s blown call in the 1985 World Series. The rule says that if the ball beats the batter to first base, he’s out; that’s what happened last night, yet the rule wasn’t enforced — although it could have been, in about five seconds, if the umps were simply allowed to look at the Jumbotron. If, in the name of baseball romance and magic and whimsy, you want terrible calls to be “part of the game,” then Selig should pull the umps aside and tell them to boot one every now and then just to keep things interesting. If, on the other hand, you don’t want players deprived of hard-earned achievements due to human error that can easily be corrected via technology we’ve had for decades, then replay it is. Count me in the latter camp.
For some reason, I can’t get the embedded video below to play. In case you’re having the same problem, you can watch by clicking here.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »
decent man, its rather refreshing to see.
rob verdi on June 3, 2010 at 3:38 PM
Class Class Class
jake-the-goose on June 3, 2010 at 3:40 PM
So you’re in favor of going over every pitch to make sure a strike was called a strike; and a ball was called a ball? And going over every “near” first base out, to make sure those are called correctly as well?
Or just this one call?
lorien1973 on June 3, 2010 at 3:40 PM
I blame Bu,er I mean Obama!!(sarc)
canopfor on June 3, 2010 at 3:40 PM
This all says a lot more about baseball than any technically perfect game.
jackmac on June 3, 2010 at 3:42 PM
Bud should do it.
Precident? Precident? We don’t need any stinking precident?
Mr. Joe on June 3, 2010 at 3:42 PM
Wow. Nice job dude. Way to be a man of good character and set a great example.
+ a no hitter
ted c on June 3, 2010 at 3:42 PM
I think you reverse it only because it was the last play of the game. Any other time, and you would be assuming that every later play would have gone exactly the same way.
So why not make it official?
I still can’t believe the ump didn’t just give him the call in the first place. That much of a bang-bang play, and you give it to the pitcher in that circumstance.
rbj on June 3, 2010 at 3:43 PM
I would guess that baseball is going to go with one call per game per team. Obviously balls and strikes will never be part of the menu of reviewable calls.
WashJeff on June 3, 2010 at 3:43 PM
Me, too. This idea that baseball is magical and unique because we have umpires who f*** things up is just weird.
The World Cup needs to pay close attention, too. You aren’t supposed to hit the ball into the goal with your hand.
Jaibones on June 3, 2010 at 3:43 PM
The two reviews worked well in the Stanley Cup last night. Bring it on in baseball…one per game.
WashJeff on June 3, 2010 at 3:44 PM
it’s easy as a fan to get mad and go off about it, but when you think about it it’s amazing to see how they are both handling it. With all the crap about athletes and the horrible things some of them do, here are two really good guys that are a tremendous example of character in this situation. Difficult situation that they are handling extremely well.
sprice75019 on June 3, 2010 at 3:44 PM
Why not? Possible errors that are easily correctable by technology we’ve had for decades.
lorien1973 on June 3, 2010 at 3:44 PM
I great statement for Baseball, and a class act by both Umpire and Pitcher. Thanks, Galarraga and Joyce.
itsspideyman on June 3, 2010 at 3:45 PM
Changing the call would not have affected the outcome of the game. It is merely a statistic, albeit a HUGE one for the pitcher, but to change it would set a precedent that this commissioner does not which to make.
I feel for this guy. The call was bad, the ump admits it, but this pitcher has shown remarkable grace and sportsmanship.
Jvette on June 3, 2010 at 3:45 PM
Maybe they can do it like the NFL where the coach decides if he wants to contest the call. If the coach is wrong then the team gets an out. Would that work?
Cindy Munford on June 3, 2010 at 3:46 PM
Instant replay in baseball? What…the game is too fast or something?
Besides, just imagine this:
“And for the 14th time here in the top of the 1st, Billy Martin has thrown the challenge flag onto the field, apparently questioning that strike call….which is, by coincidence, the 14th pitch of this already 1 1/2 long game…we’ll be back after this break….”
BobMbx on June 3, 2010 at 3:46 PM
False dichotomy. And there is instant replay in baseball, just not for calls at first base.
Smiles on June 3, 2010 at 3:48 PM
Wow,what a gentlemanly thing to do!!
canopfor on June 3, 2010 at 3:48 PM
If your are talking about technology to call balls and strikes, I would be fine with that, but the people that run baseball would not for what I guess are historical\tradition reasons. The ball trac stuff on ESPN seems pretty accurate to me.
WashJeff on June 3, 2010 at 3:49 PM
It’s nice to have one sport that remembers it is just a game.
pedestrian on June 3, 2010 at 3:50 PM
Pure class. Bravo to both of them.
Dingbat63 on June 3, 2010 at 3:50 PM
The human element. It’s a part of the game. Always has been. Always should be.
I’d suggest that if sport contests are to be corrected by technology, why not go whole-hog and eliminate the human judges (umpires, referees, etc..), replace with all with technology.
Then we can be assured our team gets a fair shake, right?
BobMbx on June 3, 2010 at 3:50 PM
Give the managers a limited number of challenges and let them use them judiciously. Works in football, no?
Allahpundit on June 3, 2010 at 3:51 PM
They should reverse it, the call would have ended the game.
WisCon on June 3, 2010 at 3:52 PM
If you could do that, why not? Why is it better to introduce a variable of idiocy into the game? Do you want a fair sports contest or some sort of pro-wrestling pageant where the ending is almost irrelevant so long as there’s some “drama” involved?
Allahpundit on June 3, 2010 at 3:53 PM
Right calls all around on this. And they do need instant replay – maybe start in the 9th inning and see how it goes. There is no excuse for a win/loss or no-hitter being decided on a blown cal.
rockmom on June 3, 2010 at 3:53 PM
No, cuz referees can make more then 2 errors in a game. And sometimes they do.
lorien1973 on June 3, 2010 at 3:53 PM
The pitcher has always batted and always will.
I guess baseball can make major changes to the rules\game.
WashJeff on June 3, 2010 at 3:53 PM
It’s not a false dichotomy. If you want an element of arbitrariness in the game, oppose replay. If you don’t, embrace it.
Allahpundit on June 3, 2010 at 3:53 PM
Both the pitcher and umpire – total class in the aftermath of this.
MLB should be proud, the Tigers should be proud, the umpires should be proud.
Well played gentlemen in very trying circumstances.
gophergirl on June 3, 2010 at 3:54 PM
Joe Posnanski is a fantastic sportswriter, and think he got it right here…
http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2010/06/02/the-lesson-of-jim-joyce/
stldave on June 3, 2010 at 3:54 PM
Galarraga = SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR!!
Sports Illustrated: put his name on the plaque now, now, NOW!!
Khun Joe on June 3, 2010 at 3:54 PM
This kid’s mother is one proud lady today…
ted c on June 3, 2010 at 3:55 PM
..and to Harvey Haddix.
Although, that would not be fair because he was robbed of a perfect game by the then Milwaukee Braves and not the ump. He was pissed but got over it in 1994.
The War Planner on June 3, 2010 at 3:55 PM
Selig’s refusal to correct an error that a brain dead lemming could see has robbed Galarra out of his place in history. Why is leadership everywhere so blatantly incompetent? I guess if it doesn’t effect you personally, no big deal.
volsense on June 3, 2010 at 3:55 PM
Let robots place the ball in football after each play. Why is a ball spotted with extra precision in the last 2 minutes, but not in the previous 58.
Robots should also scan each player as they run the bases, to make sure they don’t cross that invisible “out of bounds” area.
See how ridiculous it can get?
lorien1973 on June 3, 2010 at 3:56 PM
Give ‘em one a game.
And if the call goes against the Challenger, give ‘em an out.
Bruno Strozek on June 3, 2010 at 3:56 PM
that’s a reasonable suggestion. I’m surprised baseball hasn’t done it already, considering the precision required to make the calls and the speeds involved.
ted c on June 3, 2010 at 3:57 PM
This is a perfect lesson for today’s kids. Nobody’s perfect and not everybody gets a trophy, but you can admit when you make a mistake and be gracious when you’re aggreived.
John Deaux on June 3, 2010 at 3:57 PM
Average game length is already around 3 hours long so I can understand why they wouldn’t want to lengthen it unnecessarily. I would support a designated person in the booth to review plays based on their judgment but not giving managers challenges for the game length reason alone. I can just imagine the Yankee/Boston games now with Joe Girardi and Terry Francona and how “judiciously” they would use them.
Smiles on June 3, 2010 at 3:58 PM
Yeah, and see how ridiculous it got last night without replay? You’re making an absurd argument based on taking mine to the absolute extreme. Want me to turn it around on you and imagine the umps drunk on the field, with no way to challenge their calls because replay isn’t available?
Allahpundit on June 3, 2010 at 3:59 PM
That’s for sure… what a waste.
davek70 on June 3, 2010 at 3:59 PM
Instead of a red hanky, the manager would kick sand on the ump’s foot to request a replay.
WashJeff on June 3, 2010 at 4:00 PM
Except their is replay in baseball, which I previously stated.
Smiles on June 3, 2010 at 4:00 PM
As Mrs. Leprechaun always says, “Class shows.”
oldleprechaun on June 3, 2010 at 4:00 PM
novaculus on June 3, 2010 at 4:00 PM
All around, much better than how some Chicagoans (including some Cubbies) reacted to the Bartman incident of ’03.
Granted, the stakes here were much lower.
YYZ on June 3, 2010 at 4:01 PM
Not really. You are the one begging for technology (readily available for 20 years) to fix problems in the game caused by human error.
So, let’s go thru every pitch in last night’s game. See if every ball/strike was called properly. Did any player get to a 3 ball count? What if a ball was improperly called a strike. Does this bother you?
What if this call really didn’t end the perfect game, but it had ended innings earlier, cuz the dude behind the plate farted while a ball was pitched, but he called it a strike.
This one is obvious, yes. That’s not really the point. The whole game of baseball is a matter of opinion anyways.
lorien1973 on June 3, 2010 at 4:04 PM
Great idea. Then Selig can tell the umps to blow a call on purpose after all replays have been used by a given team. That way the “magic” can still be there while using instant replay. Put me in the no replay camp.
Weight of Glory on June 3, 2010 at 4:05 PM
I’m having trouble dealing with all this class and professionalism…
Where’s Obowma?
/
Seven Percent Solution on June 3, 2010 at 4:06 PM
If only our politicians could behave with half as much class as both of these men….
MississippiMom on June 3, 2010 at 4:07 PM
The way that both of these men conducted themselves in this matter is more significant landmark to baseball and sportsmanship than any perfect game would have been.
Dr. Carlo Lombardi on June 3, 2010 at 4:08 PM
Making rulings by instant replay had to be a liberal idea. YOU HAVE TO BE FAR! SINCE WHEN?
BS. I’m in the no replay camp.
PappaMac on June 3, 2010 at 4:10 PM
One the greatest moments in the history of the sport–much bigger than a “mere” perfect game.
Anonymous Finch on June 3, 2010 at 4:11 PM
Glad to see Galarraga willing to be a sportsman. They might as well get along since their names will be tied together for the rest of history. Great story!
knangle on June 3, 2010 at 4:11 PM
You can make all these arguments for football, too. “Are we supposed to review every play for penalties the refs might have missed?” No one’s saying that every bit of judgment has to be removed from the game; a pitch on the corner of the plate can often be called a ball or strike. The question is whether there should be a recourse for a manager when he thinks an ump has obviously blown a call. And the answer is … yes, of course there should.
Allahpundit on June 3, 2010 at 4:12 PM
Yay! A feel good story! We don’t get enough of them these days. This is what America is all about!
OxyCon on June 3, 2010 at 4:13 PM
Oh, and I’d like to see balls and strikes called using a camera attached to a computer. Cut and dry. One thing I can’t stand is all the different strike zones each individual umpire has, even during the course of a game. Give the pitchers something to work with so they don’t have to guess how an unpire is going to call a game on a particular day.
OxyCon on June 3, 2010 at 4:16 PM
Yes, but you see the point I’m making, right?
You are willing to accept a certain level of “easily correctable” human error, not just too much.
I’m more of – it’s a game that humans play. Let them make mistakes. I don’t like replay in the NFL, either. The NFL version has already led to impossibly stupid rule changes that are completely subjective in reality (tuck rule, “control”, etc). I’m not sure you want that in a game where first base outs are usually won/lost by a few millimeters and where the primary system of getting people out (pitches) isn’t even subject to any sort of real review.
lorien1973 on June 3, 2010 at 4:21 PM
If you want to eliminate the human element, sure.
But if you did strike cameras, you’d easily find pitchers who could pitch perfect games with near consistency. Some parts of the strike zone include places where you couldn’t possibly hit a ball. Greg Maddox in his prime exploited this and I loved him for it.
lorien1973 on June 3, 2010 at 4:23 PM
Both classy guys. Too bad that sports have too many of the other type. On the other hand,,,,life and sports are not “fair”. It and we are human,,,,the attempt to put everything under the control of tech and computers is a mistake,,,life is messy, dirty, but is also hopeful, uplifting, fun, etc. Let em play the game as it has been played,,,and keep the drugs and tech out of it.
retiredeagle on June 3, 2010 at 4:23 PM
Here’s a snippet from the Wikipedia page on former Chicago Cub pitcher Milt Pappas. He suffered the next best thing to the indignity of Gallaraga:
“..On September 2 of that year, at Wrigley Field, Pappas no-hit the San Diego Padres 8-0. He retired the first 26 batters and was one strike away from a perfect game with a 2–2 count on pinch-hitter Larry Stahl, but home-plate umpire Bruce Froemming called the next two pitches—both of which were close—balls. Pappas believed he had struck out Stahl, and even decades later in 2008, continued to begrudge Froemming.[1][2][3][4] Some 25 years later, a Chicago radio personality, during an interview with Pappas, got Froemming on the phone and the two argued on the air. Pappas also said in 2006 that he has seen video tape footage of that game on WGN and can see Froemming smirking immediately after the walk was issued; Froemming denied the charge. To date, Pappas has the dubious distinction of having the only perfect game bid broken up on a walk to the 27th batter he faced.”
moc23 on June 3, 2010 at 4:24 PM
People need to let this go. You don’t change the game because of a single human error, perfect game lost, or no. What is wrong with you? Reactionary people are losers.
Americannodash on June 3, 2010 at 4:26 PM
Leave the call stand as it is. There are several reasons why it should be left as it is. First, the blown call had no material effect out the game’s outcome. Second, this is the sort of thing that keeps people arguing and talking about baseball – it enriches the game (forget Allahpundit’s stupid rejoinder about schooling umps to deliberately blow it once in a while. Third, G’s name is secure in the record books; as was already observed, EVERYONE knows it was a perfect game. And fourth, perfect games aren’t pitched, they are played by the entire team as that fabulous over-the-back catch in deep right field shows.
Let’s move on to something productive, like waterboarding Tim Geithner.
microfiction on June 3, 2010 at 4:26 PM
So is football better or worse because of instant replay?
To me, I think the NFL has indeed struck a nice balance between stupidity and incompetence, but it neither the technology nor the rules have made the game any better.
fronclynne on June 3, 2010 at 4:29 PM
It can get ridiculous in either extreme. Obviously last night an opportunity for a review appeal by a manager or the umpire crew chief would have resulted in something less ridiculous than the result they got.
As far as robots and lasers, I’d guess the NFL will use something more precise than a chain and a couple of sticks to position the ball at some point this century.
dedalus on June 3, 2010 at 4:30 PM
No replays. Human error has been part of the game since its inception. Sometimes it goes in your favor, sometimes not, but it’s part of the game. (BTW, I don’t like it in football either. Call me a traditionalist.)
And, as a Michigander and Tiger fan, I am SO proud of those guys.
Dee2008 on June 3, 2010 at 4:31 PM
“The human element. It’s a part of the game. Always has been. Always should be.” (BobMbx, at 3:50)
How about this one: Pilot error. It’s part of flying. Always has been. Always should be.
Personally, I think if there is technology available that can lead to better outcomes, we should find a sensible way to use it.
sdb on June 3, 2010 at 4:33 PM
If you really want precise ball placement . . . no, nevermind.
fronclynne on June 3, 2010 at 4:34 PM
As a Cardinals fan, that call stung pretty badly. However, I don’t blame Denkinger for St. Louis losing the series; I never did. There were still two outs and St. Louis needed to get just one more. To cap it off, they had game 7 -at home- and proceeded to get blown out.
Sure, if Denkinger had gotten the call right, St. Louis would have been champions in 1985. However, if St. Louis could have gotten out #3 in game 6 or bothered to show up in game 7, they still would have won.
I consoled myself then, as I do now, with the knowledge that one of my all-time favorite ballplayers, George Brett, finally won a World Series.
Physics Geek on June 3, 2010 at 4:35 PM
I’m not sure safely flying an aircraft is in any way equivalent to a call that didn’t even have a material impact on the outcome of a game.
lorien1973 on June 3, 2010 at 4:39 PM
Umm…whats’ the deal about lineup cards?
Sarjex on June 3, 2010 at 4:40 PM
What have they been serving Major League batters that 3 perfect games can be pitched in the first 3rd of the season.
chemman on June 3, 2010 at 4:41 PM
Steroid supply is on the pitcher mound these days?
lorien1973 on June 3, 2010 at 4:42 PM
Lack of steroids & amphetamines. More tired hitters.
rbj on June 3, 2010 at 4:43 PM
Excellent points. I had been leaning toward accepting Instant Replay until I saw this post:
http://corner.nationalreview.com/post/?q=NzQzMGQyZmY2Y2NlMmZjNTA1NTBmMjc4ZWNlM2JmNmY=
Fred Schwarz gets the problems with using replay to decide issues quite right I think.
OBQuiet on June 3, 2010 at 4:44 PM
All class. Hope the punks in the seats were watching.
abobo on June 3, 2010 at 4:46 PM
Normally, the Manager brings it out… It is an honor and a privilege for someone else, especially a position player, to bring it out. THat, and his classy interaction with the Umpire, is truly sporting…
NO, NO, NO; pitchers are getting tested, too! I believe this shows how much of an advantage PEDs gave the hitters during the Steroid Era…
Khun Joe on June 3, 2010 at 4:47 PM
I went to a KC Royals home game in 2005 and got a free George Brett powder blue t-shirt… Wore it to a game in “old” Busch Stadium after I got back to St. Louis… If looks could kill…
Khun Joe on June 3, 2010 at 4:49 PM
I love what Galarraga did here, but there was another act of real class in baseball this week that deserves an honorable mention. When Roy Halladay pitched his perfect game on Saturday against the Marlins, he deflected all credit away from himself and repeatedly said that the real person to thank was his catcher, Carlos Ruiz, who called the game so well. Halladay repeatedly explained that he was on autopilot through most of the game, and Ruiz was the real decisionmaker through it all. That’s not as classy as what Galarraga did here, but it is worth mentioning. It’s been a good week for baseball (unless you’re a Phillies fan).
Anonymous Finch on June 3, 2010 at 4:55 PM
Ok so I am kind of a purest about baseball. Didn’t like lights at Wrigley. Don’t care for the designated hitter rule. And I don’t like the idea of instant replay.
Baseball is a traditional game. I would like it to still be played the way it was 100 years ago.
But that is just me.
conservnut on June 3, 2010 at 4:59 PM
In that case, let’s take people totally out of the game. Send out robots…perfectly predictable, error free (assuming they’re properly programmed). But bo-ring.
The question is, I think, where you draw the line on sensible.
Dee2008 on June 3, 2010 at 5:01 PM
This never would have happened at Cominskey Field.
Attila (Pillage Idiot) on June 3, 2010 at 5:20 PM
ok, i’m very reluctant to allow the introduction of anything that slows down baseball games…they already take way too long. however, i propose a very limited use in the following circumstances
1.
DrW on June 3, 2010 at 5:20 PM
This finally gave me a reason to watch local Detroit news yesterday. Jim Leyland, the Tiger’s manager, was also very classy about the entire situation. Galarraga is simply amazing. I wonder what Ernie Harwell would say about the entire situation?
I’m in favour of no instant replay also. Mistakes get made every game, sometimes like yesterday they are magnified. If we’re going to go the technical route, then, I’d want laser technology calling the strikes and balls.
I’ll reconsider once machines judge figure skating.
Canadian Infidel on June 3, 2010 at 5:23 PM
ok, that was weird…
as i was saying;
1. each manager has one request for a replay per game.
2. the head umpire can ask for a replay on any play that involves a HR, catch or trap, fair / foul, fan interference or a play at a base.
3. not to be used for balls / strikes.
4. only to be used when the umpires can’t agree on what happened. if thier agreement, only a manager’s request can cause them to use the replay.
5. replay to be done in the booth by an mlb umpire..a 5th ump in contact with the crew chief.
DrW on June 3, 2010 at 5:24 PM
I say no to instant replay in baseball. Baseball is already draaawn out as is, why make it even longer? At least in football guys are smacking each other around and you get to see it twice. Who wants to replay guys playing catch? The only replay that would have been fun is Tommy Lasorda yelling at the umpires and belly bouncing them.
ninnuh on June 3, 2010 at 5:27 PM
my idea (which is too logical so it can not be adopted) give each manager 1 challenge a game. When they throw their challenge flag, it automatically goes to replay, the umps review it, like they do homeruns and let us know what they decide
billhedrick on June 3, 2010 at 5:35 PM
It is clear that the call was made way off.
A replay on that call would make it clear, without any further requirement to replay again, that the runner was out by a step or more.
William2006 on June 3, 2010 at 5:37 PM
Like Harvey Haddix and Ernie Shore, his place in history is secure.
If anything, his place in history is even more secure: a perfect game that everyone knew about and getting robbed of it and getting an apology from the umpire and Galarraga and Joyce being class acts.
Totally memorable.
I R A Darth Aggie on June 3, 2010 at 5:42 PM
Well, if they were going to add more use of instant replay, I would suggest they only do it if they simultaneously agree to some other rules designed to speed up play, as an offset. The biggest thing they could do to speed up the game would be to prohibit batters from stepping out of the batter’s box after every pitch to redo the velcro straps on their batting glove and spit a few times. When you watch tapes of old games it’s shocking to see how little time elapsed between pitches.
sdb on June 3, 2010 at 5:42 PM
He’s out when an umpire calls him out.
They are umpires not hack writers.
So you at last admit that Kirsten Powers daily becomes more and more philosophically indistinguishable from Alan Colmes.
Stephen M on June 3, 2010 at 6:26 PM
Turn off your adblock.
clearbluesky on June 3, 2010 at 6:40 PM
I wish the guy could have had a perfect game. He deserved it of course. It’s probably something he has dreamed about since he was kid. (Yes there is a but)
But the Ump made the call. Now he is calling another game for the same team today. Will he try to conpensate for the error that he made yesterday?
See how complicated this is? Now if he makes a call in favor of Galarraga’s team then you could see what where this could lead….
Nelsa on June 3, 2010 at 6:59 PM
Two classy guys for sure.
CWforFreedom on June 3, 2010 at 7:06 PM
This game will be remembered for longer than a perfect game. Total class act, which is rare these days. I don’t thing ‘instant replay’ will add anything to the game.
Play Ball. Now if a certain president from Kenya could admit some faults…
JohnD9207 on June 3, 2010 at 7:31 PM
How much does one think that Jim Joyce will not be as impartial in the game given the situation. This is a great teachable moment of the human condition. Even when it is ones job to be as ultra impartial, bias can still slip in at repeat event.
tjexcite on June 3, 2010 at 7:50 PM
Regardless, it’s nice to see some class from both parties in an unfortunate situation.
And, even though I am not a big fan of baseball, I enjoy the occasional MLB experience. It feels clean and pure. Sure, there are the dark spots with steroid and drug use. But, for the most part there is healthy, respectful competition.
Try finding this type of civility in the NBA. Nope. Which is why I won’t go to their games.
watson007 on June 3, 2010 at 7:57 PM
Regardless of whether replay should have been available at the time, the call absolutely has to stand now.
Because the batter was called safe, play continued. Another batter batted, and made an out. To reverse the call, you’d have to wipe out not only the blown call, taking the hit away from the batter, and giving the pitcher the perfect game, you’d also have to take the subsequent out off of that batter’s record as though it never happened, as well as the fielding putout, etc.
Regardless of whether the following batter should have batted, he batted. We don’t get to start erasing perfectly legitimate plays from the record books just because we think an earlier call should have gone differently.
Think of it this way; suppose the subsequent batters had all hit home runs, and the trailing team had come back to win. Do you then go back and reverse all of that play, and pretend it didn’t happen? That would be nuts. And if you didn’t — well, then you’re in a position of eradicating Crowe’s at-bat if he makes an out, but keeping it if he hits a homer.
That’s all crazy. Of course the call has to stand.
Chuckles3 on June 3, 2010 at 9:22 PM
Comment pages: 1 2 Next »