THE STAKES
Belmont,that is, produced another winner for a co-owner friend of mine from high school and college, Kenny Troutt. What a race it was!
I didn't see Kenny there, and I missed his
thanking God for his victory. Especially in the midst of all the hoopla and excitement. But these days he has his focus right where it should be, and I'm very proud of him.
A few nights earlier and a subsequent day later, I was again reminded of why I'm attracted to sports. This incident was the bid for a perfect game by a pitcher named Armando Gallaraga. It was much publicized because an umpire, Jim Joyce, not James Joyce though ironically the author's second most famous work--A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, would have fit perfectly, blew a call at first base and cost the 28-year old pitcher his gem.
The reaction of Gallagara was beautiful. He took the toss from the first baseman, squarely planted his foot on the bag, and the throw beat the runner, very similar to a botched call by another umpire 25 years ago that cost the St. Louis Cardinals a World Series. When the ump cut the night air by spreading his arms indicating safe, the pitcher, merely looked puzzled and smiled at the umpire.
No screaming, stamping, cursing. All class.
The umpire, to his credit, admitted that he had "cost the kid a perfect game," and was truly sorry. It's so good to see total honesty in a world today that thrives on spins and blames. (When I heard a news report this week that Al and Tipper's marriage break up was George W. Bush's fault for winning the 2000 election, I nearly choked.)
The next day, Tiger manager sent Galarraga out to turn in the line up card to umpire Joyce. Both exchanged pleasantries and male bumps or slaps. It was again classic.
From one who expects to get every call, to receive every break on an errant golf shot, it was something to remember. You see, we're never too old to learn and to experience the way it should be. Thanks Kenny and Armando for the reminders.
Belmont,that is, produced another winner for a co-owner friend of mine from high school and college, Kenny Troutt. What a race it was!
I didn't see Kenny there, and I missed his
thanking God for his victory. Especially in the midst of all the hoopla and excitement. But these days he has his focus right where it should be, and I'm very proud of him.
A few nights earlier and a subsequent day later, I was again reminded of why I'm attracted to sports. This incident was the bid for a perfect game by a pitcher named Armando Gallaraga. It was much publicized because an umpire, Jim Joyce, not James Joyce though ironically the author's second most famous work--A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, would have fit perfectly, blew a call at first base and cost the 28-year old pitcher his gem.
The reaction of Gallagara was beautiful. He took the toss from the first baseman, squarely planted his foot on the bag, and the throw beat the runner, very similar to a botched call by another umpire 25 years ago that cost the St. Louis Cardinals a World Series. When the ump cut the night air by spreading his arms indicating safe, the pitcher, merely looked puzzled and smiled at the umpire.
No screaming, stamping, cursing. All class.
The umpire, to his credit, admitted that he had "cost the kid a perfect game," and was truly sorry. It's so good to see total honesty in a world today that thrives on spins and blames. (When I heard a news report this week that Al and Tipper's marriage break up was George W. Bush's fault for winning the 2000 election, I nearly choked.)
The next day, Tiger manager sent Galarraga out to turn in the line up card to umpire Joyce. Both exchanged pleasantries and male bumps or slaps. It was again classic.
From one who expects to get every call, to receive every break on an errant golf shot, it was something to remember. You see, we're never too old to learn and to experience the way it should be. Thanks Kenny and Armando for the reminders.
posted by TQ @ 6:14 AM
1 Comments:
At 6:51 PM,
Anonymous said…
I have actually been waiting for days for you to comment on the 'perfect game'. thank you for doing so. You did not disappoint.
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