Joyce to umpire Galarraga’s next start
September 9, 2010
PITTSBURGH (AP)—When Armando Galarraga(notes) steps onto the mound to face Baltimoreon Friday night, the Tigers pitcher will see a familiar face behind home platein umpire Jim Joyce.
This time, it’s Joyce who plans on being perfect.
Joyce, widely considered one of the majors’ top umpires, cost the Tigersrookie a perfect game on June 2 when he incorrectly called the Indians’ JasonDonald(notes) safe at first on what should have been a game-ending grounder.
Joyce acknowledged missing the call after watching a video replay. Hisheartfelt apology to Galarraga, and the pitcher’s calm and graceful acceptanceof it, drew praise as a model for sportsmanship during a time when athletes moreoften attract headlines for misbehavior.
About 12 hours after the missed call, Joyce wiped away tears at home plateas Galarraga brought out the Tigers’ lineup card for the next day’s game. Thetwo had hugged the night before when Joyce sought out Galarraga to apologize.
Joyce wasn’t aware Galarraga was pitching Friday until being told by TheAssociated Press, and he said he is looking forward to it.
“I’ve seen him since, I’ve talked to him; the only difference is I’m notgoing to be at first base, I’m going to be at home plate,” Joyce said Wednesdaynight in Pittsburgh after Atlanta beat the Pirates 9-3. “Apprehensive, but alsokind of excited about it, really, to be honest with you.”
This will be the first series Joyce has umpired in Detroit since making acall that is likely to be remembered for as long as the sport is played—andnot necessarily for all the wrong reasons.
“It’s just the apprehension of walking out on that field,” Joyce said.“It’ll be the first time I’m back. Even though I have talked to Armando andeverything is very, very, very, very good, it’s still always in the back of mymind. It’s going to be a little apprehension; just walking onto the field isgoing to be something.”
The missed call drew even the White House’s attention, with presidentialspokesman Robert Gibbs calling on baseball to award Galarraga a perfect game. Italso renewed support for baseball to rely on instant replay to correct suchmistakes.
Major League Baseball quickly ruled the call would stand—changing it wouldhave unprecedented—and there are currently no plans to expand replay beyonddeciding home run calls.
AP freelance writer Chris Adamski contributed to this report.
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