Put yourself in Armando's position and just imagine how you would feel if that happened. You already graciously accepted an apology from Joyce and told him "nobody's perfect" and moved on from this experience. It's only your second week in the majors and you are the center of glory and controversy. How would a having a 75 year old man over-turn the call because of increased pressure from the public make things better for you?
Yeah, he was out
If I were him I wouldn't even care if Selig gave me this perfect game. My reaction would be something along the lines of, "meh, okay."
Haw?
Galarraga seems like a very well rounded guy, and to be perfectly honest, he most likely does not want this game to all of the sudden become "perfect." The thrill is gone, the excitement has worn out and the moment has passed. It is time for everyone to MOVE ON. Joyce made a stupid mistake and the guy admitted it. He feels absolutely terrible about it, but lucky for him Galarraga is a nice kid and respectfully accepted his apology.
Adding his name to the record books days or weeks later adds nothing to Galarraga as a person or a player. He probably cares less than everyone out there who is still complaining about this.
Tigers fans with nothing else to care about
In a final note, not many people have noticed that this was not 100% Jim Joyce's fault. The grounder was going straight for second baseman Carlos Guillen. That was HIS ball to field, not Miguel Cabrera's. Cabrera should not have gone after that ball. If Guillen and Cabrera just did their jobs correctly we wouldn't even be having this discussion in the first place.
ESPN does not allow embedding of their Youtube videos so watch a good interview with the classy Armando Gallaraga here.
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The first baseman's "job" is to go after any ball in his range. In that instance the Pitchers "Job" is to get to the bag.. everything was performed correctly... i agree that it shouldn't be overruled but dont blame Cabrera ..or Guillen (who isnt even involved in this)... relax
ReplyDeleteIt was 100% Guillen's ball to field. If he took charge like a second baseman should on that play we wouldn't be having this discussion.
ReplyDeleteeven if he "took charge" ... Cabrera would still not have been at the bag.. regardless... the play would still have been taken by the pitcher on the bag.
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