Washington, DC - Upon his return to Washington following the current district work period, Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) will introduce a resolution calling on Major League Baseball to overturn the call on the field that spoiled Armando Galarraga’s perfect game.

Galarraga threw 8 2/3rds innings against the Cleveland Indians without giving up a hit, a walk or an error.  One more out would have given Galarraga the 21st perfect game in the history of Major League Baseball and the first in Detroit Tigers history.  But umpire Jim Joyce said the would-be 27th out, the Indians Jason Donald, beat out a throw to first for an infield single. Replays showed Joyce was wrong and the umpire graciously admitted his mistake after the game.

“Jim Joyce missed the call, but because he admitted it, we have a leg to stand on in our case to Major League Baseball,” Dingell said.  “Baseball’s executives have corrected a mistake on the field in a regular season game before – the pine tar game.  This is the right thing to do and if getting this resolution passed makes it easier, I’m glad to help.”

Dingell praised the pitcher and the umpire for admitting his historic error quickly and honestly.

“In my eyes, Galarraga is already part of a special and exclusive group – for this has only happened 21 times before in the long history of Major League Baseball.  In fact, you could argue he’s  in a class by himself – the only pitcher to face 28 hitters in a perfect game,” Dingell said.  “Umpire Joyce made a colossal blunder, but if we can reverse it, he will have played a huge role in righting the wrong.  If Mr. Joyce had not quickly and honestly admitted his error, the groundswell to make this right might not be so strong.

“This perfect game may not have the perfect ending, but it will be one distinct and historic in its own way.  I hope this is the first of many historic moments for Armando Galarraga.  He will take a special place in Tiger history and in the hearts of fans who watched him compete with class and hold his composure in calamity.”