Jim Joyce Takes the Joy Out of Detroit and Baseball Fans

On June 2, 2010, 21-year MLB veteran umpire Jim Joyce missed a first base call that ended Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga's bid for a perfect game.

Not only did it end fans and players' dreams for a 21st perfect game, the out was with two outs in the ninth inning. 

As rookie Jason Donald of the Cleveland Indians grounded towards second base, he sprinted out of the box. Miguel Cabrera ran over and fielded the ground ball, when it would have been a routine play for a second baseman if Cabrera had stayed at his position.

But no matter; he fielded it beautifully, and Galarraga reached the bag in time and made a snow cone catch.

Fans thought they had witnessed one of the best games in the history of the game. The players started to rejoice.

Cabrera screamed in happiness.

Galarraga had a huge smile on his face, but first base umpire Jim Joyce took the joy out of everyone, as he crossed his arms and spread them, indicating Donald was safe.

Boos quickly rang out the ballpark, and Galarraga could only smirk.

He took it, swallowed it, and went back to the mound and finished the game, as Trevor Crowe weakly grounded out.

It went down as a complete-game, one-hit shutout.

Detroit became joyless.

Baseball fans watching the live game around the country on ESPN or MLB Network were disappointed.

I was one of them, and the joy out of me was taken out. 

And it was all because of one man's call.

Jim Joyce is a great umpire, and he just flat missed this one.

Joyce met Armando Galarraga and apologized to him for missing the call.