MLB Commissioner Has Chance To Rewrite History

If you are not a fan of baseball, let me bring you up to speed on a little history. A perfect game is when a pitcher does not give up a hit or a walk to the opposing team. This can be done by an entire team, but usually is done by only one pitcher, as they won't become too tired. Lee Richard was the first person to throw a perfect game in 1880, and since then only 19 others have completed the task [although many have come close]. In comparison, more people have orbited the moon than have pitched a Major League Baseball perfect game. No pitcher has ever thrown more than one. The perfect game thrown by Don Larsen in game 5 of the 1956 World Series is the only postseason perfect in major league history. So basically, this is a once in a life-time opportunity to throw one.

This year, baseball fans have been blessed. Ubaldo Jiménez threw a no-hitter [no hits, but gave up walks] and Dallas Braden & Roy Halladay have thrown perfect games. This year was the first time since 1880 there have been two perfect games thrown in one season, and this year they came 20 days apart. This meant that there were still 2/3rds left of the baseball season for someone to throw another prefect game, making 2010 the first team 3 perfect games were ever thrown in a season.

Last night, it seem liked the Detriot Tigers would help make history. Going into the 9th inning, Armando Galarraga had thrown 8 innings without giving up a walk or a hit. With two outs in the ninth, the 20,000+ at Comerica Park stood up out of their seats, hoping to see the final out of the 21st perfect game ever, and the 3rd in 25 days. Jason Donald of the Cleveland Indians was up to bat when he hit a grounder to the infield. Galarraga ran over to first base to make the out, and stepped on first base after catching the ball before Donald did, but umpire Jim Joyce called Donald safe, destroying all hopes of history.

Unfortunately, Joyce made the wrong call, but with no instant-replay in baseball, the call could not of been overturned. After the game Joyce reviewed the call, and later admitted that he made the wrong decision.

Lucky for baseball fans everywhere, Commissioner of Major League Baseball Bud Selig has a chance to rewrite history. Within 24 hours of a call, the commissioner of MLB has the opportunity to review and overturn a call. Hopefully, Selig will use his power to do the correct thing, and overturn the incorrect call.

To have a temporary happy ending, Armando Galarraga brought Jim Joyce the line-up card for today's afternoon game vs the Cleveland Indians.