Armando Galarraga Absolutely Robbed Of A Perfect Game By Umpire's Bad Call

Detroit's Armando Galarraga just threw the 21st perfect game in Major League history and the second one this week. Unfortunately, umpire Jim Joyce turned the 27th out into a infield hit with a horrendously botched call. (UPDATE: Joyce has apologized.)

You can see the play for yourself here, although you will see it again many, many times. Galarraga clearly beat Cleveland's Jason Donald to the bag and despite a small bobble (after the runner had crossed and he'd already removed his foot from first base) fielded the throw from Miguel Cabrera cleanly. Yet, Joyce inexplicably ruled him safe. (Even Donald was dumbfounded.) How anyone could make that call in that situation defies all wondering.

I am not an instant replay advocate, but for the first time we have a true instance of a single bad umpiring decision irrevocably changing the course of baseball history. One that could have been easily corrected by a review, even if the moment had already been spoiled. This is far from over.

P.S. It took only seconds for Joyce's Wikipedia page to be defaced. The Internet abides.

* UPDATE: Jim Joyce has spoken to the media and is man enough to admit that he blew it. According to reporter Dave Hogg, Joyce is "devastated."

"I just cost that kid a perfect game," Joyce said. "I thought he beat the throw. I was convinced he beat the throw, until I saw the replay."

"Biggest call of my career, and I kicked the shit out of it."

* Peter King (who was clearly not present at Comerica Park tonight) adds: "What a great moment in Comerica: Jim Joyce apologizes to Galarraga, Galarraga accepts, they hug. Class by Joyce, incredible class by the kid."

[Sources: AP, Dave Hogg, SB Nation]

* One thing we can all agree on? The world misses Andres Galarraga. [Botched headline via NY Daily News]