Legal Commentary

Dear Bud Selig:



As New York Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay always says, "It's important to get the call right."

The Detroit Tiger's Armando Galarraga pitched the 21st perfect game in MLB history last night. There is no ambiguity. The video unequivocally shows that the runner was out. But the runner was called safe.

The umpire, highly respected veteran Jim Joyce, immediately acknowledged that he got the call wrong. To his credit, Joyce personally apologized to the pitcher, and issued a public statement.

Galarraga exhibited dignity, compassion, and class in accepting the decision and exonerating Joyce.

If ever there was a situation to use your discretion, Commissioner Selig, this is it. Make this right. Change the record to reflect the perfect game.

Also: MLB should immediately amend the video review rules, and allow the crew chief to use his discretion and call for a review in extraordinary circumstances.

Congratulations, Armando Galarraga. You were truly perfection, on and off the field. 

P.S. It would be a very nice touch if Cleveland manager Manny Acta would also ask for the record to reflect a perfect game.

P.P.S. Check out Ashby Jones' "An Imperfect Game: Lessons from a Blown Call," in the Wall Street Journal's Law Blog. More: Above the Law. Legal Blog Watch.

Update: Breaking news: Selig just issued a statement saying that he will take the matter under consideration! And in a very touching moment, Galarraga brought the lineup to a tearful Joyce to start today's game.