Jim Joyce voted MLB's best umpire in ESPN poll
Jim Joyce was voted the best umpire in Major League Baseball in a poll of 100 players conducted by ESPN the Magazine.
Joyce made national headlines when he missed a call at first base that cost Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game on June 2. After seeing a replay, the 22-year veteran acknowledged he blew the call and apologized to Galarraga.
ESPN said Sunday that 50 active players from each league were asked confidentially within the past week to select the three best umpires in baseball. Joyce was named on 53 percent of the surveys, topping Tim McClelland (34 percent).
CB Bucknor was voted the game's worst ump.
Also, 86 percent of players agreed that commissioner Bud Selig should not have overturned Joyce's call and awarded Galarraga the 21st perfect game in big league history.
The issue of instant replay also was addressed, and 77 percent said there should be no replay on base calls.
-
2024 MLB odds: World Series best bets, predictions
2024 MLB predictions by Ben Verlander: Standings, playoffs, World Series
2024 MLB Opening Day: Schedule, times, dates, how to watch, starters
-
2024 MLB odds: Dodgers, Braves among division favorites
MLB's 10 riskiest contracts from 2024 offseason
MLB young talent rankings: Top 20 position players, pitchers for 2024
-
MLB's best pitchers: Ranking the top 20 starters for 2024
MLB commissioner hopes gambling investigation of Shohei Ohtani will be short
Six takeaways from Opening Day: Juan Soto earns his Yankees pinstripes
-
2024 MLB odds: World Series best bets, predictions
2024 MLB predictions by Ben Verlander: Standings, playoffs, World Series
2024 MLB Opening Day: Schedule, times, dates, how to watch, starters
-
2024 MLB odds: Dodgers, Braves among division favorites
MLB's 10 riskiest contracts from 2024 offseason
MLB young talent rankings: Top 20 position players, pitchers for 2024
-
MLB's best pitchers: Ranking the top 20 starters for 2024
MLB commissioner hopes gambling investigation of Shohei Ohtani will be short
Six takeaways from Opening Day: Juan Soto earns his Yankees pinstripes