Almost every week, some news report reminds us that professional athletes are humans, and more than a few of them suffer from some weakness of character. Doping scandals have rocked virtually every sport, from bicycling to volleyball. Too often, players’ behavior on the field or court is less than meritorious. (Recall Ms. Serena Williams’ outburst at last years U.S. Tennis Open.) And lots of behavior off the field hasn’t been much better, ranging from sexual attacks to organized dog fighting.

 

Finally, two people, a baseball pitcher and an umpire, have returned some dignity to the field.

 

Last week, Armando Galarraga, a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, pitched a perfect game. History, however, will not record it as such. At the very end of the ninth inning, with two outs called and only one to go, Galarraga tossed what I am sure he hoped would be his last pitch of the game. Cleveland Indians player Jason Donald hit a grounder directly between first and second base. Detroit Tiger first baseman Miguel Cabrera fielded the ball while the pitcher raced to first base. Cabrera tossed the ball to Galarraga, who caught the ball and touched the base. A split second later Donald crossed the base. And then a game official made a mistake: Umpire Jim Joyce called the runner safe.

 

What happened afterwards stands as one of those wonderful teaching moments for all of us: Galarraga did not throw a temper tantrum and berate the official. Having lost his chance to pitch a rare, perfect game, he returned to the mound, and with one more pitch, finished the game. Soon thereafter, the umpire reviewed a videotape of his important call. He realized he had made a mistake. Joyce immediately made a public apology, one that Galarraga accepted with grace and honor.

 

To any parent interested in raising a civil, well-mannered child, I’d hesitate to encourage them to attend or view any tennis match in which Ms. Williams is expected to play. But keep a recording of Galarraga and Joyce near at hand. It’s nice to know that civility and good sportsmanship remain alive.