GM’s Tiger Salute Perfect Pitch

General Motors hit a homerun this week, awarding Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a shiny red ’10 Corvette convertible as a consolation prize for his professionalism and sportsmanship.

Unless you live under a rock, you already know the sad tale of how the young pitcher lost out on a perfect game against the Cleveland Indians Wednesday by umpire Jim Joyce’s admitted blown call on an infield hit by the 27th and final batter.

“I missed it,” Joyce said later when reviewing a replay showing Tiger first-baseman Miguel Carbrera fielding the ball and throwing it to Galarraga, who stepped on first base before the runner touched the bag and was called safe.

"I thought he made a mistake, (but) nobody's perfect," Galarraga is quoted as saying about Joyce. "He said, 'Sorry, I'm sorry,' about three times (after the game), and I don't blame the guy."

GM North American President Mark Reuss, who presented the Vette to Galarraga at Thursday’s game, said the gracious way the Tigers’ pitcher handled the event deserved to be recognized regardless of what the record books ultimately show.

The new wheels might not make up for Galarraga’s loss of infamy, but it’s a first-class way for a Motor City company to salute Detroit-style sportsmanship.