This doesn't pertain to the A's, but anything that has to do with the history of the game should be important to any fan. By now, we all know of Jim Joyce's blown call that was the only thing standing in the way of the third perfect game in a month.
Blown calls happen. Rarely with these repercussions, though. Joyce has served in the majors for 22 seasons and is looked upon as one of the better umpires in the game. Honestly, I feel bad for him. He missed the call, blew the call actually, maybe even destroyed history. The Tigers television announcers couldn't have said it any better though. Joyce didn't run off the field, he didn't avoid confrontation. What he did do, is he stood and "took it like a man." He knew he made the worst call since Don Denkinger in the 1985 World Series.
There are three men who looked like they wanted to throw up directly after the play.
- Jason Donald- You can't fault the shortstop for running hard through the bag. In fact, if he hadn't it might have been a bigger slap to Galarraga's face. But, he knew he was out, and he also knew the significance of the moment. His hands went on his head and he looked like he was going to puke. He had no desire to be connected to the play in any capacity.
- Miguel Cabrera- First off, what was he doing so far off the first-base bag? Go look at a replay, he cut the ball off in front of second baseman Carlos Guillen halfway between first and second. Not sure if his look was disgust, shock, horror, or the realization that it would have been a routine play for Guillen if he had just retreated to the first base bag. There hasn't been any talk of this, but go look at the replay and you'll see what I'm talking about,
- Jim Joyce- He knew he just altered sports tradition. There's not much else to say.
Surprisingly, Armando Galarraga reacted well. He smiled, maybe the pressure of the moment finally realesed and he could exhale. Maybe the smile was in disbelief and a cool anger. No matter what he was feeling, he didn't show emotion. A true professional. In fact, he quickly retired the next hitter. I feel for Galarraga, but right now I feel worse for Joyce.
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