Back on June 2, 2010 Armando Galarraga recorded 26 consecutive outs against the Cleveland Indians, putting him well on his way towards becoming the 21st pitcher to toss a complete game in baseball history.
That is until the first base umpire made a huge mistake:
That is actually painful to watch.
Galarraga ultimately got the next batter to ground out to the third baseman, but the damage was done. No no-hitter, no perfect game – all because of terribly blown call.
But before you go slamming on the ump, Jim Joyce, know that he immedatiely admitted that he blew the call right after the game. And was visually upset about his decision the next day:
It’s a bummer for Galarraga, of course, because that doesn’t change anything in the record books, but it does take strength to admit that big of a mistake. I vote we officially absolve Joyce … and maybe give Galarraga a perfect game while we’re at it.