When umpire apologized for hitting player, 1915 By JohnW53 on Apr 20, 2021, 7:04am CDT + It doesn't happen often, but every now and then a Major League umpire apologizes for his behavior. You may remember Jim Joyce. On June 2, 2010, he called a runner safe at first base, with 2 out in the ninth inning, to deprive Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga of a perfect game. After the game ended, Joyce immediately asked to speak with Galarraga. The 28-year-old Venezuelan was brought to the umpires' room,. Before Joyce could say a word, Galarraga hugged him and said, "We are all human." Joyce, crying, apologized to Galarraga in English and in Spanish.