A Class Act

Class. The aftermath of a simple baseball game this past week demonstrated to us this virtue which encompasses grace, patience, acceptance, humility and kindness. Armando Galarraga, Detroit Tiger starting pitcher, was denied a Perfect Game Wednesday night when the call was missed by first base umpire, Jim Joyce. Galarraga smiled upon learning Joyce called the runner safe at first. The pitcher made the play himself, and knew the runner was out -- the last out of a perfect game. Armando let up no walks, no errors and of course, no hits. But he didn't throw down his glove, stomp his feet, yell or curse. Armando gracefully accepted Joyce's ruling. Furthermore, what class the pitcher showed after the game, not accusing the umpire but telling the media he knew himself he'd thrown a perfect game. The exhilaration shined in his eyes for the accomplishment he achieved. Galarraga didn't throw a perfect game for kudos, money or history. He simply went out and pitched his best.

Jim Joyce did his best, too. For some reason, he was distracted and looking at Cabrera, who fielded the ball, instead of watching first base. He's human, but he showed class too. First, in letting Cabrera jaw at him after the call and before what would come to be known as the 28th out of the game. Then, in a class act after the game, Joyce privately apologized to Galarraga.

The first thing Galarraga mentioned in the locker room interview was the umpire's apology. The pitcher could've whined and everyone would've nodded and offered condolences, but instead, he emphasized the apology.

The commissioner of baseball decided not to change the call and the debate around that could go on for days. But we cannot debate that 1) Galarraga threw a perfect tame, and 2) everyone demonstrated tremendous class. Tiger's manager, Jim Leyland, did not even complain after the game.

Joyce had the choice of not working the plate at the very next Tiger's home game, Thursday afternoon, but he chose to do it. Before that game, Armando chose to bring him the Tiger's scorecard. The Tiger's honored Galarraga with pre-game festivities. While clearly frustrated, the Tiger's fans and organization never became ugly. We in Detroit can be proud of our city--no matter what anyone else says--Detroit was the location of the biggest class act surrounding professional sports in as long as anyone can remember. While we may be disappointed in the outcome and ask why Armando was denied a perfect game, let's remember the example that was set for the country about how to treat one another, no matter what the stakes.

P.S. They may be talking about naming the replay in baseball the "Galarraga", but I think his name should forever be used when one is talking about sportsmanship. For that was his greatest achievement Wednesday night.