The Hall of Fame has bagged the key evidence from Armando Galarraga's stolen perfect game.
The Detroit Tigers have told the Hall they will donate the first-base bag, Galarraga's spikes and a ball from last week's near-miss at Comerica Park.
A blown call by umpire Jim Joyce at first base on what would've been the final out cost Galarraga the 21st perfect game in history. Galarraga's right foot was on the base, but Joyce ruled that Cleveland's Jason Donald beat the play Wednesday night.
Joyce admitted he missed the call and tearfully apologized in person to Galarraga after the game. The next day, the two met at home plate before the game and shook hands.
The sportsmanship showed by Galarraga and Joyce drew praise from all ranks, from Little League fields to the White House.
"Instantly, the game became a historic moment in baseball, one that has spurred the interest among fans around the globe," Hall spokesman Brad Horn said Monday. "The game's outcome shows the human element of sportsmanship, character and integrity by all parties involved, which helped the moment transcend a single feat or performance."
The Hall asked for the items. The Tigers said they had collected the artifacts and would send them.
The shrine in Cooperstown, N.Y., is "dedicated to documenting the game's seminal moments, and this is clearly an intersection of baseball in American culture and society," Horn said.
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