On June 2, 2010, we all witnessed history in MLB, just not the kind we probably would have preferred.
The Armando Galarraga game, sometimes referred to as the “28-out perfect game” or the “imperfect game”, showed us quite a few lessons: we are all human, nobody is perfect, and we can always recognize and accept our mistakes.
Then with the Detroit Tigers, Galarraga pitched a perfect game, but a wrong call by first base umpire Jim Joyce ruined it, as well as the no-hitter, too.
He incorrectly called Jason Donald safe when Miguel Cabrera‘s throw clearly beat him.
There was no video replay available back then, so Joyce’s call stood.
Joyce was apologetic and aware of his mistake in subsequent interviews, and Galarraga was forgiving.
The moment, however, lives forever in baseball fans’ minds.
Should MLB Call It A Perfect Game?
A group of future lawyers are pushing for MLB to recognize it as a perfect game, though.
“A Monmouth University Law class submitted an 82-page document to Rob Manfred explaining why Armando Galarraga’s outing should be switched to a perfect game, per @AsburyParkPress. Should the call be overturned?,” Fox Sports MLB tweeted, with a clip of the infamous play.
A Monmouth University Law class submitted an 82-page document to Rob Manfred explaining why Armando Galarraga’s outing should be switched to a perfect game, per @AsburyParkPress
Should the call be overturned? pic.twitter.com/yLqtEdDxvh
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 20, 2022
Even Donald took his hands to his head.
In reality, the Galarraga game should be considered a perfect game, but it would be a complicated decision for MLB to change.
Of course, the evidence is right there, but it may prompt other affected parties by dozens of umpires mistakes throughout history to seek changes, too.
It would set a precedent that the league may not be able to accept.
Galarraga’s career was relatively underwhelming, but oddly enough, the near-perfect game made him even more famous than if he had thrown the perfect one with no umpire mistake.
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