Ever since the beginning of the century, instant replay has been a hot topic in Major League Baseball. Technology has taken us to a new level as a society and brought new arguments into our American pastime. The human element has always been a traditional part of baseball by giving the game some of the most memorable moments and some of the greatest bloopers.
Spencer Gleason
– Sports Editor –
Ever since the beginning of the century, instant replay has been a hot topic in Major League Baseball. Technology has taken us to a new level as a society and brought new arguments into our American pastime. The human element has always been a traditional part of baseball by giving the game some of the most memorable moments and some of the greatest bloopers.
Famed manager Lou Pinella gave the game many bloopers with his argumentative antics. His disagreements with umpires—the throwing of his baseball cap, the kicking dirt on umpire’s pants, screaming until his face was red—were all because he thought his base runner was safe. Meanwhile, the crowd came alive.
In June 2010, Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga pitched what would have been the third perfect game this season—27 batters faced, 27 batters out. The game was nearly perfect except first base umpire Jim Joyce missed a call on out number 27.
What followed was one of the most genuine moments in baseball history.
Following the game, Joyce publicly admitted his miscall, apologizing to Galarraga, the Detroit Tiger family and all of baseball. The following game, Joyce, the home plate umpire, walked onto the field for the coaches’ meeting. Galarraga handed him the Tiger’s lineup card. Joyce, in tears, shook Galarraga’s hand, and the crowd came alive.
As for Galarraga, upon entering the clubhouse, his teammates gave him a champagne shower for “his” perfect game—28 batters faced, 28 batters out.
Moments such as these have given the game moments never to be forgotten. But what if technology takes
