Thaindian News

By Madhuri Dey
Detroit, June 3, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Umpire Jim Joyce made a blunder on Wednesday that cost one of the players a perfect game.

He made a wrong call! Something like this is not totally unprecedented for in baseball circles, although undoubtedly uncalled for, but all the hullabaloo that is being created over this one blown call can be explained by the fact that it came from Jim Joyce, something that is quite unexpected from someone of his stature.

Moreover, but for the blown call, Armando Galaragga would have thrown the third perfect game in a month, a rare feat. However, one small mistake on the part of the umpire ruined the hattrick.

Th incident occurred in the game of the Cleveland Indians against the Detroit Tigers, at Comerica Park.

Jason Donald tried to make a hit toward the first base, and the ball was fielded by Miguel Cabrera, who then tossed it to Armando Galaragga. However, it was here that umpire Jim Joyce made a huge blunder, spoiling what could have been a totally perfect game. He spread out his arms wide, signaling, much to the surprise and shock, and for the most part, disbelief of all those present, that Jason Donald was safe.

Needless to say, the decision immediately became one of the most hated ones in the history of the Detroit Tigers. Jim Joyce naturally came under widespread fire of criticism, with commentators and observers demanding to know what had made him take the decision.

The call was disputed, obviously, and the instant replays made it very clear that Jason Donald was, obviously, out. Later on, after the game, Jim Joyce went up to Armando Galaragga and apologized to him, and last seen, the two men hugged and parted.