>>http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5246454
>>
>>I have mixed feelings...on the one hand, the pitcher deserves a perfect game.
>>
>>On the other hand, the Phillies were screwed, and I mean SCREWED, out of a playoff win in 1977 against the Dodgers on a blown call at first base (similar situation...correct call, Phillies win). Yes, it was 33 years ago, but I still feel the anger. :)
>>
>>And I'm sure Cardinals fans in 1985 remember Game 6 of the World Series...
>
>First of all, how the ump missed the call is beyond me. What was he looking at?

I haven't seen the video yet, only read about it, so this is a general comment.

I've heard the broadcasters claim that, especially at first, the ump is both watching and listening. Specifically, the question is whether he hears the ball thump into the mitt before the runner's foot hits the bag. Maybe something about this play fooled him.

I'll also add that while we remember the blown calls, what's truly amazing is how many they get right. (Kind of like the mail. Usually arrives where it should, quickly and cheaply, but we remember the other cases.)

Tamar