The Perfect Reaction
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On the night Jim Joyce made himself a household name, what stood out to me was the reaction of Armando Galarraga. After Joyce absolutely shit all over Galarraga’s perfect game, did the pitcher freak out and accost Joyce? Did he throw his glove and act petulant, something, considering the circumstances, that would’ve been completely understandable? Nope. Instead, Galarraga offered a picture-perfect smile, one that hid a myriad of messages. Things like, “You sure?” or “Now, now. Perhaps you should take another look.”
One thing it didn’t contain was malice.
Obviously, the pitcher knew he had beaten Jason Donald to the bag — in fact, everyone besides Joyce knew what the call should’ve been — but instead of exploding in a ball of reactive emotion, Galarraga simply smiled. Joyce himself admitted he would’ve jumped in an umpire’s face if the circumstances were reversed, making Galarraga’s reaction almost as perfect as the game he was robbed of. Check out the audio below.
Courtesy of…
By most accounts, the Tigers and their staff have pretty much forgiven Joyce, especially Galarraga. Naturally, the call for further use of instant replay has been trumpeted loudly since Joyce’s blown call; something Jim Leyland does not support.
It’s better than Armando be on that field than me. I’m not as bad as Kobe when it comes to history and the only thing that matters to him is winning. Which he has said in every press conference since they beat the Suns. Honestly if you thought George Brett was out of line with the whole pine tar incident. I would suggest that someone hold me back immediately. I would have seriously put my hands on him and been banned from baseball quicker than Pete Rose.
I’m honestly surprised Leyland didn’t put a cigarette out on Joyce’s face.
I am surprised of the reaction, but what was done was done, it wasn’t going to change anything. Joyce has to get that call correct all the time especaially in that situation.
You’re right about Joyce, DN. I’m just amazed at the composure Galarraga showed.