Galarraga Perfect Game Video | Umpire Jim Joyce’s Bad Call Ruins Pitcher’s Moment

American sports really don’t do it for me. But baseball is the one that holds the most appeal. Even when a bad umpiring decision ruins a game for everyone.

A perfect game in baseball is when a pitcher claims victory by not letting any batsmen even get to first base. A perfect game is a no-hitter and a shutout. And it’s only been officially achieved 20 times in the history of Major League Baseball.

Last night should have seen Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Armando Galarraga claim the 21st and join that elite group. But a wrong call on the 27th of 27 batters meant he was robbed of his moment of glory.

Jim Joyce is the umpire in question, and he’s admitted he made the wrong call after seeing replays after the match.

In which case, why isn’t there the opportunity to review calls mid-game via instant replays? It won’t do Galarraga any good but it could prevent such an incident from happening in the future.