Real Professionals

Detroit Tigers are playing the Cleveland Indians. With no pre-game hype, nobody expects anything out of the ordinary. Armondo Galarraga is on the mound for the Tigers. In 2009 he had a strong season, as he led the Tiger pitching staff for most of the year while completing his first winning season in the majors. But so far in 2010, he has struggled with his control, necessitating a stint with the Triple A Toledo Mudhens to fine-tune his game. Well, the fine-tuning is evident tonight, as he retires 26 consecutive Indian batters. Suspense builds as the game progresses to the ninth inning. The television commentators hesitate to speak of the possibility of a " perfect game, " for fear of jinxing the Bengal hurler. The excitement of the game soars in the last inning as Detroit's center fielder, Austin Jackson, races to the center field warning track to make a spectacular, over-the-shoulder catch of a would-be triple by Mark Grudzielawek, thereby preserving Galarraga's gem. Armando's mind must be racing; he has never pitched a complete game in the majors, let alone a perfect one. With one more out, Galarraga could join baseball's immortals and etch his name next to just 20 others who have accomplished the feat in over 100 years of play. As Indian shortstop, Jason Donald, strides to the plate, one more out lies between Armondo and baseball history. Donald hits a ground ball between first and second. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit's powerful first baseman, fields the ball and flips to Galarraga as he races to first. Armondo takes the throw, touches the bag ahead of Jason Donald, and breaks into a big smile. The crowd in Detroit erupts in celebration. But the celebration is cut short as the first base umpire, Jim Joyce, flashes the safe sign and the baseball world chokes. The stadium falls silent as everyone wonders: How could this veteran umpire blow the biggest call of his career? Everyone saw Armondo beat Jason Donald to first base by a full step. After the safe call, Cabrera briefly voiced his disbelief ; manager Jim Leyland calmly questioned the call. But all in all, what followed was an astonishing display of self-control and sportsmanship not often seen in sports today. Galarraga strode to the mound and finished the game with great poise. The next batter grounded out to end the game. Armondo must have been sick inside …