Umpire's imperfect call

[Gregg2]

...if you watch the video, it seems to me like he shows a little hesitation before making the call.

Yes. His "out arm" (right) twitched a little before he extended both arms.

Selig was in Milwaukee today. The local report, just minutes ago, said a decision on whether or not to act on this call was not "official" yet, but a spokesperson indicated that the commish would not reverse the call.

 

[dolphindolphin]

apparently Galarraga got a corvette for his performance...Not a bad consolation! Link

 

[Sydde]

Players get runs, hits and errors. Officials make errors as well. It is all part of the game. You can grumble about injustice, but officials' mistakes are as much part of the game as the actual play. I mean, I sure would like to have the numerous bad (and horrendous) calls back from Superbowl XL, but it ain't gonna happen, so, so it goes.

 

[Consultant]

That sucks, but at least the pitcher and many people know about his achievement.

MLB is just trolling for page views.

Seems common lately.

 

[macquariumguy]

apparently Galarraga got a corvette for his performance...Not a bad consolation!

Ewwww, I wonder what 2nd prize was.

 

[Gregg2]

There is precedent for changing Baseball History. Hack Wilson's single season RBI record was increased by one several years ago. Fay Vincent decreed that several no-hitters were invalid while he was Commissioner. These were all done well after the conclusion of those games. This one might be changed in a few years.

The thing that makes it easy to change is that it was a play for the 27th out by the team that was ahead. Then, the next batter made what was truly the 28th out, and the game was over. It's problematic to change an umpire's call at any point before that 27th out.

A couple of years ago, C.C. Sabathia had a no-hitter spoiled by a bad call by the official scorer. An obvious error, made by Sabathia himself, was called a hit. That's another example of a case where the record could be corrected.

 

[yg17]

A couple of years ago, C.C. Sabathia had a no-hitter spoiled by a bad call by the official scorer. An obvious error, made by Sabathia himself, was called a hit. That's another example of a case where the record could be corrected.

But CC made the error so it's hard to have as much sympathy for him as people do for Galarraga. I know technically you can commit an error and still get the no hitter, but if CC had correctly fielded the ball, would the runner have been out?

 

[Abstract]

I think baseball should change the rules, or how plays are reviewed. However, I'm glad they're not changing the outcome. What's done is done, and now it is time to change the rules to fix this clear flaw in the current rules. It's not time to look back and change the outcome of games, for good or for bad.

 

[macquariumguy]

Fay Vincent decreed that several no-hitters were invalid while he was Commissioner.

Wasn't that a rules change regarding extra innings and 8 1/2 inning games? Hardly the same thing as this situation.

 

[Gregg2]

But CC made the error so it's hard to have as much sympathy for him as people do for Galarraga. I know technically you can commit an error and still get the no hitter, but if CC had correctly fielded the ball, would the runner have been out?

Yes, if he had made an accurate throw. He bobbled it trying to field it. (Uh-huh, I was watching the game - on TV.) It was big news here. That was during his "half"-season with the Brewers.

I think baseball should change the rules, or how plays are reviewed. However, I'm glad they're not changing the outcome. What's done is done, and now it is time to change the rules to fix this clear flaw in the current rules. It's not time to look back and change the outcome of games, for good or for bad.

That's actually a pretty good argument. I feel for the guy though.

Wasn't that a rules change regarding extra innings and 8 1/2 inning games? Hardly the same thing as this situation.

You're correct. I didn't mean to claim it was the same. I was commenting about precedent. This would be a new precedent.

 

[longball11]

Galarrga handled the situation better than anyone. The umpire handled the situation well with admittance. The fans? Not so much. Civilians threaten him and family? Should be shot.

 

[andrewsd]

Fired

Simple as that. That was beyond a mistake. I have pitched a no no at high school level. Couldn't Imagine a perfecto in the pros. Fire the ump. He deserves it.

 

[Gregg2]

Fire the ump. He deserves it.

Wow! I was going to search for this thread to make another comment. Apparently none too soon...

Galarrga handled the situation better than anyone. The umpire handled the situation well with admittance. The fans? Not so much. Civilians threaten him and family? Should be shot.

That's better, and I'm sure you're not suggesting mass murder.

Much more has been written about the behavior of all the principles in this after the fact than about the game and the blown call itself. I just cracked open the latest Newsweek today, and there are 3 separate articles about the aftermath of this play.

So, here goes...
I was waiting for the natural cycle to take hold in this thread. It never did. The second quote comes close. Galarrga exhibited class, grace, good sportsmanship, civility... and the accolades go on. Jim Joyce is a stand-up guy. He admitted blowing the call, and apologized. He was moved by Galarraga's noble actions, and by the fans who "got it" and cheered.

So perhaps from the many who commented on the game, so few have commented on the object lesson because, gasp, perhaps said lesson would then be applied to behavior on this forum, and we wouldn't want anyone to do that. Oops! Someone just did!