James A. Joyce III (October 3 1955 - June 2, 2010) is the very worst umpire in Major League Baseball who has worked in the American League (AL) from 1987 to 1999 and throughout both major leagues since 2000. He attended Bowling Green State University. He wears uniform number 66 (he wore uniform number 6 while in the American League). His strike call is extremely loud and enthusiastic, similar to that of now-retired umpire Bruce Froemming. Joyce has umpired in the All-Star Game (1994 and 2001), the Division Series (1995, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, and 2003), the League Championship Series (1997, 2004, 2006), and the World Series (1999 and 2001). After graduating from Bowling Green State University in 1977, he umpired in the Midwest League (1978-1979), the Florida Instructional League (1978), the Texas League (1980), the Pacific Coast League (1981-1986, 1988), the International League (1987), and the Dominican League (1983). Joyce was the second base umpire when Nolan Ryan recorded his 5,000th career strikeout and was the first base umpire when Robin Yount reached his 3,000th hit. His crew for the 2008 season included crew chief Tim Tschida, Jeff Nelson, and Mark Carlson. His crew for the 2009 season includes crew chief Derryl Cousins, Bill Miller, and Brian Runge. His crew for the 2010 season includes crew chief Derryl Cousins, Marvin Hudson and Jim Wolf. Blown Call On June 2, 2010, Joyce made a controversial call at first base which would have given Armando Galeragga of the Detroit Tigers a perfect game.[1]
What Dee fuck is up with baseball this yr. 18 perfect games in over 110 yrs and almost 3 just this year...jim Joyce lulz Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Then Joyce emphatically said he was wrong and later, in tears, hugged Galarraga and apologized. "It was the biggest call of my career, and I kicked the [stuff] out of it," Joyce said, looking and sounding distraught as he paced in the umpires' locker room. "I just cost that kid a perfect game." "I thought he beat the throw. I was convinced he beat the throw, until I saw the replay," he said after the Tigers' 3-0 win. Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said Joyce asked to speak with Galarraga. Denied the first perfect game in Tigers history, Galarraga appreciated the gesture. "You don't see an umpire after the game come out and say, `Hey, let me tell you I'm sorry,' " Galarraga said. "He felt really bad. He didn't even shower."
I saw the same thing happen in Oakland about a decade ago, although it was not the 27th batter. But it was 7th inning of a perfect game by Bobby Witt. A grounder, throw to first, runner CLEARLY out but was called safe. It was really not close. That's not an Oakland homers opinion, that was the opinion of ESPN and Sports Illustrated. Bobby then retired every subsequent batter. Literally, 28 up, 28 down, but one blown call cost him the perfect game. By the 9th inning, fans were unsure whether to cheer Bobby or boo the ump, I'm glad to say the consensus was finally to cheer Bobby, who deserved it. Great game, crappy umpire.
Thankfully, they're discussing having the Commissioner officially review the call and overturning it. Even the ump has requested it. There's no precedent in MLB history, but this seems as good of a case as any. The kid and the Tigers franchise deserves to have a perfect game.
The fact that it was the last out, not an out in the 4th inning, and therefore wouldn't change anything that came after it, should give the commissioner the leeway necessary to do this, in my opinion. The bizarre thing is that the play didn't even look all that close to me. Even at full speed, I didn't think it was "bang-bang." More like the runner was out by a stride or half a stride. So I don't know how Jim Joyce could have made such a call. He couldn't have seen the runner conclusively safe, since he wasn't safe at all...so why would you even risk blowing a perfect game on a bad call? On another note, what's with the sudden rash of perfection? First Dallas Braden of the A's, then Halladay of the Phillies and now Galarraga. Prior to this season, I think there had been 18 perfect games thrown in MLB history.
would going back and reviewing it do anything for him? Listening to his interview, he is still gonna tell his kids he has a Perfect Game. Bu tgoing back to officially wouldnt really "do anything for me" now I guess.. its kinda like the gymnastics team getting a Bronze when China found to be cheating.. oh well, you still dont get your moment of celebration. You dont get to stand on the podium etc... maybe thats just me though.
My guess: The ump was watching the bag, and only out of the corner of his eye did he see the little flip Galarraga did to seat the ball in the pocket of the glove, and in his mind that's what registered as the catch. Kudos to the ump for owning up to it, and super kudos to Galarraga for the way he handled it. That smile he gave the ump right after the call was (in a completely non-gay way) priceless, and should be used on the kid's next baseball card.
I think it's been 3 just this month. Maybe the hitters not being on steroids and peds has something to do with it?
It does make a difference. Pitch a perfect game, game ball and jersey go in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Even if it's a so-so pitcher with one brief shining moment, that moment is forever enshrined. A pitcher will get endorsements, a parade in his home town, special promotions at the ball park. It has meaning.
