Thursday, June 03, 2010

The Perfect Solution for Bud Selig

It is mere hours after the blown call by Jim Joyce that prevented history. Armando Galarraga nearly threw the third perfect game of the season and first in Tigers history. Some sportswriters and other commentators on the matter are calling for Commissioner Bud Selig to overrule the call on the field and give Galarraga his perfect game. Now, I love seeing baseball history as much as anyone. With that in mind, I offer some advice to the Commissioner.

Do not overturn the call.

Some will argue that changing the call is in the best interest of the game. I disagree. At this point, the calls are made on the field, and, until there is change implemented, that is how it should remain. Overruling the call on the field would set a dangerous precedent and create a mockery of the process. Though flawed, the system is the system.

Does Armando Galarraga deserve recognition for his achievement? Of course. Keep this in mind however. There are people who still remember Ernie Shore, who came in relief of an ejected Babe Ruth and got 27 straight outs. Harvey Haddix is well known for throwing 12 perfect innings before losing perfection, the no-hitter, and the game in the 13th. Something tells me people will remember Galarraga, the credit will just not be found in the record books.