A Lesson in Class and Sportsmanship

Tonight Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers pitched the game of his life. He dominated the Cleveland Indians. He did not allow a batter to reach base through the first eight innings. He retired the first two batters in the ninth inning. The first out in the ninth was recorded with the great catch that all no-hitters seem to have in the late innings. The 27th batter of the game, Jason Donald hit a grounder to the right side. The first baseman ranged to his right and threw out Donald. The umpire, Jim Joyce immediately and inexplicably called Donald safe. Galarraga retired the next batter to end the game. Instead of a perfect game and baseball immortality he was credited with a one hit shut out.

The class and sportsmanship alluded to in the title occurred after the game ended. Joyce wewnt into the umpires dressing room, saw the replay, realized he got the call wrong and sought out Galarraga and apologized. Galarraga accepted the apology and said ironically enough "Hey, no one's perfect." The two men actually hugged after the apology. How many of us would be able to calmly accept the blown call and finish the game let alone be gracious enough to accept the apology and be more concerned about the umpire who has to live with the blown call.

A lot of lessons in this situation.