“It was the biggest call of my career,” an emotional Jim Joyce told reporters, “and I kicked it. I just cost that kid a perfect game.” - Jim Joyce, MLB Umpire

Life is full of imperfection and there is no replay. What makes for great people and great leadership is how you respond to the imperfections in life. It’s what happens next that defines you and your character.

Sports talk radio was alive last Thursday morning calling for the activation of ‘instant replay’ for close calls in situations such as the one that occurred on Wednesday where veteran Umpire Jim Joyce cost Armando Callaraga a perfect game with his errant call at the end of the game. [video] Major League Baseball kept the game intact, blown call and all… kinda like the real life situations we all live and lead in.

However, what is most astounding to me is not the call and the ensuing argument over the need for instant replace, but rather HOW Jim Joyce, Armando Gallaraga and also Jim Leland (the Tiger’s manager) handled the situation. Check out the audio of their reactions and a summary of the situation adeptly handled by Colin Cowherd.