For the adversely affected player back on May 2—Dodgers infielder Jerry Hairston, Jr.—Los Angeles' weekend series vs. the Astros provided a stage for a reunion of sorts, with Hairston and Welke meeting at home plate on Friday night.
Hairston has the call:
He said he was sorry. He's been a really good umpire for a long time and, you know what, obviously because of the angle he didn't see it. It's over and done with. But I told him if I get stuck on 2,999 [hits], I'm calling him. He got a kick out of that.Hairston concluded his remarks with praise for the veteran crew chief, demonstrating a sense of sportsmanship not generally seen between players and umpires, at least not since Joyce and Galarraga:
[The apology] shows character, but [Welke] always had the highest character. I've been dealing with him for 14 years. People lose sight of the fact that one play doesn't change that. It's amazing, we as players make errors and, obviously, umpires do too. It's the human element of the game. People don't realize how fast the game moves. Everybody else has the benefit of watching the replay on TV. The umpires don't have that. It was just one of those freaky plays.It is unclear whether Hairston and Welke will meet again to present the ESPY Award for Best Sportsmanship Moment of 2012. The duo has likewise not announced whether a book deal is in the works.
News: Tim Welke Admits, Apologizes to Hairston for Missed Call Weeks Earlier
Video: Tim Welke rules Jerry Hairston, Jr. out on Incorrect Call; First Baseman Todd Helton Missed the Base