The “perfect” game that almost happened for Armando Galaraga..
Written by The Go-To-Man Mattie T. on June 4, 2010
Just in case you missed it on Wednesday evening, Detroit Tigers’ righthander Armando Galaraga was just one out away from becoming the 3rd pitcher to throw a perfect game this season and the second in the past 5 days.
The only thing standing in his way of perfection? 1st base umpire Jim Joyce.
The 27th batter for Cleveland was Jason Donald, who hit a grounder to 1st base as Galarage went over in time to cover.
Numerous TV replays showed that Galaraga’s throw beat out Donald to the base, but Joyce called him safe which set off an irate chorus of boos among the Tiger fans at Coamerica Park hoping to witness history.
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig commented Thursday that the call will stand, which now could possibly give Galaraga the only 27-out perfect game in the history of the sport.
Joyce apologized to Galaraga for the error & was in tears as the two made a lineup exchange before Thursday’s game, which Detroit won 12-6.
The Tigers did however present their pitcher with a Corvette for his outstanding effort on Wednesday, as he finished with a 1-hit shutout win.
