The Perfect Game

If you're a sports fan at all, you've heard of the recent "perfect game" that wasn't. Armando Galarraga was one out away from pitching a perfect game - 27 batters, 27 outs, no-hits, no-runs. Sadly an umpire called out number 27 safe and there went the perfect game - or did it?

Usually when an umpire blows a call, there's screaming from the team that feels cheated. After the screaming the manager of the team gets thrown out of the game and the umpiring crew postures to save face with statements like "the call stands."

But this was noticeably different. Immediately after the call, the Detroit Tigers didn't scream. They were visibly upset, but they kept their composure. Their manager discussed the call with the umpire and then calmly walked back to the dugout without throwing a tantrum.

After the game, the umpire admitted his own mistake and apologized to the pitcher who had thrown the perfect game. It was also reported that the pitcher forgave the umpire.

The next day the umpire had to face his humanity and come back out and do his job - this time calling balls and strikes. He met the pitcher at home plate because the Detroit manager had given him the lineup card. The umpire was wiping away tears - tears I'm sure of regret and sorrow and humiliation. All because he was human the night before.

This made me think of the many times I've complained about umpires or referees. I get pretty passionate about sporting events and have yelled at my share of officials. Why? I don't really know other than to say I get caught up in the emotion of the game. That's not an excuse for being a fool, it's the only reason I can think of.

In spite of the fact that this umpiring error was big, it's still just a GAME! The error didn't cost anyone their life. The error didn't cost anyone their marriage. The error didn't cost anyone their right to freedom. It was a mistake in a game and although it will be talked about for years to come, it did not cause bodily or permanent harm to anyone.

So why do I think it was a "perfect game?" It was a perfect game because there were human beings doing their best at their jobs. One human made a mistake and later admitted that mistake. Another human being forgave the first one for the mistake. In this day of million dollar prima donnas, these two people were the classiest people on the field. They showed what it takes to be a true champion - humility, honesty and forgiveness.

As for me, I hope to be a better fan of all of the future games I will watch - professional or amateur. After all, I'd like to be a part of the next "perfect game."