Galarraga, Joyce, and Wooden

A couple things happened in the sports world recently that got me thinking: a near-perfect game in baseball, and the legendary basketball coach John Wooden's death at age 99.


"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while you reputation is merely what others think you are." - John Wooden


A few weeks ago, Detroit Tiger Armando Galarraga was one out away from the 21st perfect game in Major League Baseball history. Galarraga is mediocre at best, but that night he was on the of brink baseball immortality. The perfect game remains the ultimate jewel in any pitcher's crown. There have been over 300,000 games in big league history, and only 20 have been perfect.


When Cleveland's Jason Donald hit a routine 2-hopper to first , it appeared Galarraga would be perfect. He ran to cover first and took the throw in time for the out. Jim Joyce, a respected veteran umpire, appeared to begin an out motion, but quickly ruled Donald safe.
Even the announcer was fooled. "Here's the throw, and he is...OU-SAFE!! HE CALLED HIM SAFE!"

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it." - John Wooden

The replay showed Donald out. Galarraga should've been perfect.

What happened next has been on my mind ever since. Galarraga looked at Joyce with a sly, resigned smile as the crowd and the other players screamed their objections. Detroit manager Jim Leyland ran out to argue, and you could clearly make out the f-bombs thrown at Joyce. Reading Joyce's lips you could see him saying, "You want me to GIVE [the perfect game] to him?"

After the game several Tigers were still yelling at Joyce. Leyland was back in his face after having watched the replay.


But Galarraga never once yelled at Joyce.

"If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes." - John Wooden

In an age where umpires seem to want attention, Jim Joyce has maintained the respect of the players since he entered the league in 1989. Just a few days prior, veteran umpire Joe West made a big show of himself after throwing out a couple of White Sox. Sports news coverage revealed players' distain for West and reported several instances of him needlessly clashing with players. The best umpires are invisible, and Jim Joyce has been among the best for a long time.


Players too, are too often guilty of acting like children. Bashing water coolers and slamming gloves has become normal . Chicago Cub Carlos Zambrano's recent meltdown is just the latest in a long line from pampered, childish players.

Galarraga's restraint was more than abnormal. It was shocking.

After the game, Galarraga showed remarkable class. "Nobody's perfect." he said ironically.

As for Joyce, he owned his mistake. When most people make excuses or blame others, he said, "I cost that kid a perfect game. I blew that call and I feel sick about it. It was the biggest call of my career and I [blew it]."

Joyce immediately went to Galarraga after seeing the replay, hugged him, and said, "Lo siento (I'm sorry)." Galarraga instantly forgave him and tried to downplay the situation. Both men were interviewed more than they ever had been, and Galarraga maintained his class while Joyce continued to take the heat. Threats from fans turned to sympathy for Joyce: a great ump who made a mistake.

The next day, Joyce was the home plate umpire. When he was introduced, the crowd gave him a warm reception as he strode to the plate with tears streaming. Usually the manager or another coach will present the official lineup card to the umpire, but there was Galarraga waiting for Joyce. The two men shared a handshake as Joyce tried to compose himself. They will forever be linked not simply for what might have been, but for how they both handled themselves in the heat of the moment.

"Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then." - John Wooden.

Coaches constantly urge their players to focus on the process, not the results. "Control what you can control" is a mantra I've taken from the coaching world to my own family life. Trying to control my responses to my kids is a constant battle. If I flip out every time Isaac disobeys or breaks something, I'm going to drive myself and my wife crazy.

The only thing Armando Galarraga could control after he caught that ball was his reaction. And all he offered was a wry smile.

The only thing Joyce could control after becoming a national punchline was his attitude. And he's become a model for taking responsibility for your mistakes.

"Things turn out best for people who make the best out of the way things turn out." - John Wooden.

Coaches also try to come with cool sayings to keep their players interested. I'll stick with the quote master...

"Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts." - John Wooden

"Talent is God-given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful." - John Wooden