Use instant replay

It’s time for baseball to install instant replay.

Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers was denied a perfect game last Wednesday by a bad call with two out in the ninth. The bad call was not a matter of opinion because the umpire at fault, after examining film of the play, admitted his mistake.

Major League Baseball is reviewing the call, but because of the precedent-setting nature of a reversal will probably let the bad call stand, denying Galarraga the 21st perfect game in the history of the major leagues.

I doubt many would miss the histrionics of arguments between players, managers and umpires over questionable calls. While Billy Martin kicking dirt on an umpire’s shoes or Lou Piniella turning crimson during an argument may be entertaining, baseball is the only professional sport that allows such protracted displays.

Clearly, in a situation as critical as a perfect game or a key World Series play, the limited judgment of a human being should be backed up by available technology. Galarraga deserves credit for his outstanding performance and umpire Jim Joyce, who recognized and admitted his mistake, deserves to be taken off the hook.

Bob Wynhausen

Sandpoint