Jim Joyce. A name now synonymously analogous to the danger of not evolving. I'm not speaking of Jim Joyce, but Major League Baseball itself! Joyce's blown call of the game's 27th out cost Detroit Pitcher Armando Gallarraga a perfect game. Instant Replay would have effectively, efficiently, and rightly corrected the admittedly sans prejudice injustice. Instead, baseball fans were robbed of the sport's 21st Perfect Game of all time with what would have ridiculously totalled 3 in just the past 4 weeks!
Ah, but pride raises its ugly head yet again. I write not of the pride of universally recognized by players, management, and broadcasters alike as MLB's most admired and appreciated umpire. It is the pride of the game itself that steadfastly insists on resisting adapting policy and adopting technology to improve the accuracy of the game played and the integrity of the record books it claims are so sacred.
I often speak to those who can stand the sound of my voice and the length of my comments that the value of sports is in the lessons it offers that transcend the diamond, field, court, and ice to our personal and professional lives. Honor, commitment, loyalty...that sort of thing.
Jim Joyce owned the bad call, apologized to the person he hurt most, and made no excuses. Let's hope Commissioner Selig finally sees the value in honoring Jim Joyce's courageous admission with one of his own:
Baseball needs comprehensive instant replay.
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