Umpire Jim Joyce apology to Galarraga: When have you admitted a mistake?

Call it the perfect apology to an almost-perfect game. After umpire Jim Joyce blew pitcher Armando Galarraga's hopes of a perfect game with a mistaken call in the 9th inning, two remarkable things happened.

One, Mr. Galarraga didn't lose his temper. He didn't yell at the ump or even protest the call. He just smiled in a "you've got to be kidding me" way.

Second, Mr. Joyce apologized. In fact, after seeing the replay, asked to speak to Galarraga, then admitted his error and hugged him. "I just cost that kid a perfect game," he said.

In an era of hot tempers and inability to admit mistakes, this event shows restraint, remorse, and reconciliation.

Have you ever been in Galarraga's shoes? If so, have you been able to resist the temptation to lose your temper?

Have you ever been in Joyce's shoes? If so, have you been able to humbly admit your mistake?

How might you apply these lessons in your life?

Share your constructive ideas using the form below.

You've read  of  free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to Umpire Jim Joyce apology to Galarraga: When have you admitted a mistake?
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Editorial-Board-Blog/2010/0603/Umpire-Jim-Joyce-apology-to-Galarraga-When-have-you-admitted-a-mistake
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us