The Detroit Tigers Should Renew Your Faith in Humanity
(Sancya/AP)
This is how you act in the face of adversity... less than 24 hours after a blown call made Jim Joyce a household name and gave Armando Galarraga more enduring fame than he would have ever received had he actually completed the 21st perfect game in Major League Baseball history.
Joyce was trying to get the call right and whiffed mightily. He apologized immediately after he saw the replay. But apologies never prevent blood lusting, angry mobs from piling on.
He was given the option to leave town, but Joyce returned to the scene of his gaffe, received the lineup card, and a handshake from Galarraga a day later at home plate. The gesture initiated by Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland:
"This is a chance for the city of Detroit to shine."
"I hope everyone remembers that this was a man who made a mistake, and who feels worse about it than anyone."
Those who care about sports and sportsmanship will remember it. Those who don't, are the nitwits who had already moved on to Rue McClanahan around the water cooler.
You'll also like: