Joyce to umpire Galarraga's start
Share This Story
PITTSBURGH (AP)
When Armando Galarraga steps onto the mound to face Baltimore on Friday night, the Tigers pitcher will see a familiar face behind home plate in umpire Jim Joyce.
TWO-TIMERS
A handful of pitchers tossed more than one no-hitter in a season. See which hurlers were double trouble.This time, it's Joyce who plans on being perfect.
Joyce, widely considered one of the majors' top umpires, cost the Tigers rookie a perfect game on June 2 when he incorrectly called the Indians' Jason Donald safe at first on what should have been a game-ending grounder.
Joyce acknowledged missing the call after watching a video replay. His heartfelt apology to Galarraga, and the pitcher's calm and graceful acceptance of it, drew praise as a model for sportsmanship during a time when athletes more often attract headlines for misbehavior.
About 12 hours after the missed call, Joyce wiped away tears at home plate as Galarraga brought out the Tigers' lineup card for the next day's game. The two had hugged the night before when Joyce sought out Galarraga to apologize.
Joyce wasn't aware Galarraga was pitching Friday until being told by The Associated Press, and he said he is looking forward to it.
''I've seen him since, I've talked to him; the only difference is I'm not going to be at first base, I'm going to be at home plate,'' Joyce said Wednesday night in Pittsburgh after Atlanta beat the Pirates 9-3. ''Apprehensive, but also kind of excited about it, really, to be honest with you.''
POSTSEASON CENTRAL
This will be the first series Joyce has umpired in Detroit since making a call that is likely to be remembered for as long as the sport is played — and not necessarily for all the wrong reasons.
''It's just the apprehension of walking out on that field,'' Joyce said. ''It'll be the first time I'm back. Even though I have talked to Armando and everything is very, very, very, very good, it's still always in the back of my mind. It's going to be a little apprehension; just walking onto the field is going to be something.''
The missed call drew even the White House's attention, with presidential spokesman Robert Gibbs calling on baseball to award Galarraga a perfect game. It also renewed support for baseball to rely on instant replay to correct such mistakes.
Major League Baseball quickly ruled the call would stand — changing it would have unprecedented — and there are no plans to expand replay beyond deciding home run calls.
AP freelance writer Chris Adamski contributed to this report.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Report: UFC Octagon vixen arrested
Report: UFC Octagon vixen Arianny Celeste arrested. -
Report: Vick event sparks backlash
A seemingly innocuous visit from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick caused ... -
Franchitti wins Indy 500
Review all the details from this year's big race. -
No way Celtics can hang with Heat
Celtics advance to East finals, but Heat have nothing to worry about. -
Dario Franchitti wins 2012 Indy 500
Dario Franchitti holds off late charge, wins third Indy 500.
MLB Videos
Dodgers drop Astros
Posted: May 27, 2012
Matt Treanor talks with Prime Ticket about Chris Capuano's performance leading t...
Matt Treanor talks with Prime Ticket about Chris Capuano's performance leading t...
Rays rock Red Sox
Posted: May 27, 2012
Sean Rodriguez talks after his game-winning HR in the Rays' 4-3 win in Boston.
Sean Rodriguez talks after his game-winning HR in the Rays' 4-3 win in Boston.
Tigers top Twins
Posted: May 27, 2012
Miguel Cabrera talks with FOX Sports Detroit after the Tigers' 4-3 win over the ...
Miguel Cabrera talks with FOX Sports Detroit after the Tigers' 4-3 win over the ...
MLB Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Cubs/browse/featuredproduct/250780/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_250000/FF_250780_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.95 | Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue |
| Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Red_Sox/browse/featuredproduct/605356/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605356_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt |
| New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/605557/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605557_xl.jpg&w=100 | 16.95 | New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat |
| Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Oakland_Athletics/browse/featuredproduct/606322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt |
| Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Philadelphia_Phillies/browse/featuredproduct/626447/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626447_xl.jpg&w=100 | 29.95 | Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet |
| New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Colorado_Rockies/browse/featuredproduct/644117/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_644000/ff_644117_xl.jpg&w=100 | 28.95 | New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat |
| Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Texas_Rangers/browse/featuredproduct/722692/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722692_xl.jpg&w=100 | 69.95 | Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch |
| Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/723016/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_723000/ff_723016_xl.jpg&w=100 | 39.95 | Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoo.. |
| Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim/browse/featuredproduct/777026/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_777000/ff_777026_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.