DETROIT – Let’s play a name game, ‘Bill Buckner’. Okay now that you have the image of the star Red Sox player letting the dribbler through his legs during the 1986 World Series to allow the New York Mets to get up off the mat and defeat the Boston Red Sox, let’s toss another name out there, MLB umpire ‘Jim Joyce’.

Joyce has been calling balls and strikes behind the plate as a full-time major league umpire since 1989 and before last night was known and respected enough to be involved in two World Series, 11 other playoff series and a pair of All-Star games.

But after last night’s Bill Buckner moment, Joyce will forever be remembered for altering MLB history with one of the most asinine, missed calls in the history of sports.

With two outs in the 9th inning at Comerica Park in Detroit, young starter Armando Galarraga was one out away from pitching the first perfect game in the Detroit Tigers franchise history.

The final batter hit a ground ball, the play was made at 1st base and as the crowd and players were ready to erupt in celebration, Joyce called the runner safe.

After the game, replays clearly showed the runner was out and the game should have been over. After the game, Joyce apologized to Galarraga and the Tigers.

Apology NOT accepted.

Why, because that play wasn’t even close by umpire standards. These guys nail split-second plays at first all year long. This runner was out by almost a half-step. If the play were even closer, in a situation like that with a perfect game on the line on a home field, only a moron like Joyce would make that gaffe.

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has the power to reverse Joyce’s blunder since the umpire admitted he made the incorrect call and the replays verified the runner was out:

“It was the biggest call of my career, and I kicked the shit out of it. I just cost that kid a perfect game.”

ESPN reported that Selig would likely consult with his top advisers before reversing the call and I believe he will do the right thing and give the franchise their first perfect game. This reversal would have no bearing on the final 3-0 score in the shutout over the Cleveland Indians.

While we await Selig’s decision, Joyce is scheduled to be behind the plate in Detroit for this afternoon’s game between the same two teams, hope his skin is as thick as armor.

Like Buckner’s play that rocked the baseball world, still to this day, this timing of Joyce’s blunder may follow the umpire around for the rest of his career.

The gaffe also gives a ton of ammo to proponents for expanding the instant replay for MLB.

An anti-Joyce Facebook page was created shortly after the game and a website called firejimjoyce.com was launched.

In the meantime, welcome to the Bill Buckner Hall of Shame, Mr. Joyce.

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