It's Time for Tigers Fans to Forgive Jim Joyce
By Michael Luciano
10 years ago today, Detroit Tigers right-hander Armando Galarraga should have finished off a perfect game after getting Cleveland Indians infielder Jason Donald to ground out. Unfortunately, first base ump Jim Joyce incorrectly called him safe, ending Galarraga's perfect game and earning him a dubious spot in MLB history.
Joyce has stated that he thinks about the call frequently, but he is at peace with his mistake.
To you, Jim Joyce is the umpire that blew that perfect game. To Jane Powers, Joyce is the man that saved her life: https://t.co/RqGQKI1lum
— Anthony Fenech (@anthonyfenech) June 2, 2020
“I still get emotional about it,” Joyce said. “It’s one of those things that will never go away and it doesn’t define me, but it’s always there. I don’t look at it any different. I did everything I thought I could do right on that play, but it just came out wrong. With everything that’s shaken out, I’m OK with it.”
In an incredible display of sportsmanship, Galarraga told reporters after the game that "nobody's perfect" before exchanging lineup cards with Joyce the next day, bringing a tear to his eye. There is no hate in Galarraga's heart for Joyce, and Tigers fans shouldn't feel that way about him either.
Today is the 10-year anniversary of the worst call in the history of sports: Jim Joyce blowing the final out of Armando Galarraga’s perfect game.
— David Blattman (@davidblattman) June 2, 2020
But I love how much more there is to this story beyond the call. pic.twitter.com/VjbdauDY7S
Joyce was one of the most respected umpires in the game for years, and it's unfair to continually shove the lowest moment in his life in his face.
If Galarraga had enough compassion to forgive him in the immediate aftermath of the incident and even exchanged lineup cards with Joyce during the next game, Tigers fans should be able to let this go as well. It's been 10 long years.