A United Methodist Pastor's Theological Reflections

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (nikos) through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Corinthians 15:57


Friday, June 4, 2010

What Forgiveness Looks Like (especially when men are involved)

Do you want to know what forgiveness looks like? Watch this video from the Tigers and Indians game this past Wednesday night. Playing in Detroit, Tigers 28 year old pitcher Armando Galarrago, who had been called up from their Triple A team, the Toledo Mudhens, was just one out away from a perfect game (retiring every single batter,) something that no Tigers pitcher had ever done and a rarity in Major League Baseball.

Covering first base, the Tigers pitcher made what appeared to be the final out of a perfect game, when umpire, Jim Joyce shocked everyone by indicating that the batter was safe at the play at first base. Instant replay clearly indicates that the runner was out. After reviewing the replay, the umpire admitted that he blew the call.

The next day (Thursday) when the Tigers and Indians played again, Joyce was at homeplate to meet with the managers for their ceremonial exchange of lineup cards. Tigers manager, Jimmy Leyland did a very classy thing by sending out his pitcher, Armando Galarrago to homeplate in his place. This symbolic action of forgiveness led to a tearful exchange between Galarrago and Joyce. This is what forgiveness looks like, (an exchange of shoulder taps) especially when men are involved. And on top of this, even the Tigers fans expressed forgiveness by cheering on Joyce.

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