Back in the 1970s, Chevy's advertising slogan was "Baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Chevrolet." Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Maybe we're using low-fat hot dogs now, but baseball and Chevy still go together - as American as apple pie.
So, here's the wind-up: Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga retired 26 consecutive Cleveland Indians batters on Wednesday, June 2. The 27th and final batter, Jason Donald, hit a routine ball in the hole between first and second base. Tigers' first baseman Miguel Cabrera fielded the ball and threw to Galarraga, who stepped on first base, apparently before Donald touched the base. But Donald was called safe by the umpire.
Galarraga kept his cool, returned to the mound and retired the next batter to record a one-hit, 3-0 shutout, throwing just 88 pitches. That call by the ump cost Galarraga a perfect game - the ultimate victory for a pitcher.
But all was not lost! GM North American President Mark Reuss presented a new 2010 Chevrolet Corvette convertible to Galarraga the next day, at a second game with the Cleveland Indians. Reuss said the way Galarraga had handled the controversial incident deserved to be recognized regardless of what record books would ultimately show.
So, lose a perfect no-hitter, gain a new Corvette convertible. I know which one I'd pick! My only question is whether it's too late to report for tryouts?