MLB Commissioner Won't Reverse Joyce's Call And Award Galarraga Perfection

MLB Commissioner Won't Reverse Joyce's Call And Award Galarraga Perfection

On Thursday, June 3, 2010, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said he would not over turn umpire Jim Joyce's call and award Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game.

The night before, June 2, 2010, Joyce blew a call at first base that would have been the final out of Galarraga's perfect game. Instead, Galarraga finished with a 1-hitter and a 3-0 complete game victory over the Cleveland Indians.

Obviously, the commissioner doesn't want to set a precedent of overturning umpire calls but in this case he missed an opportunity.

What he should have done is announced that he would announce a decision on Monday. That way, people could discuss this issue for four days.

Then on Monday, he should have awarded Galarraga his perfect game.

There have been two perfect games thrown this year. Name the pitchers?

You can't.

In fact, there have been 20 perfect games in the history of baseball and unless you're an ardent fan you can't name one of the pitchers (with the exception of maybe Don Larsen who threw his in the World Series).

While they are rare, perfect games and no-hitters are overrated especially when it comes to promoting the sport.

The commissioner missed an opportunity to promote his league and make Galarraga a household name or something close.

Overriding the call would have had zero effect on the standings while meaning a lot to Galarraga, the Tigers and their fans. And if you're worried about setting the wrong precedent then that's what the word "no" is for.

My impressions of the XXIX Olympics in Beijing

Usain Bolt showboated over the finish line in a race that lasts less than 10 seconds. He caught a lot of grief for doing that, and to his credit I believe he listened, but to be able to run 100 meters and spend the last 10 showing off is incredible.

Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian ever. He has 11 gold medals. What more does he need to do? By saying he’s the greatest in no way detracts from other great Olympians. Jessie Owens is still a legend. He's up there with Babe Ruth, Paul Bunyan or Johnny Appleseed.

Watching Misty May and Kerri Walsh was magical. They transcend the sport and are very special. I will miss them in 2012.

Lisa Leslie won her fourth straight gold medal in Women’s basketball.

I wonder if Shawn Johnson and her pixie image would have made her American’s sweetheart had she won the all-around gold? Even so, Anastasia "Nastia" Valeryevna Liukin was awesome and is hot.

U.S.A. wins most medals and China wins most golds. I’m happy with that. My country can say they won the medal count. China can say they won the most golds—each country has something to brag about.

Baseball is out of the Olympics, probably for ever. MLB should shut down and send a “dream team” to the Olympics. They never will but they should.

U.S.A’s Men’s basketball team won both on and off the court. Unfortunately, I had to fight back the cynic in me which said they were only in China to sell jerseys. Had the Olympics been anywhere else none of them would have chosen to compete. I hope I’m wrong and their genuine emotion after winning leads me to believe I am.

Jimmy Page at the closing ceremony performing “Whole Lotta Love” was awesome but way out of place. What’s next? Chuck D performing “Welcome To The Terrordome?”