Philip Humber's controversial perfect game ending for the White Sox

April 21, 2012, White Sox pitcher Philip Humber completed one of the strangest perfect games in MLB history, retiring all 27 Seattle Mariners in a 4–0 win at Safeco Field. Humber entered the bottom of the ninth just three outs away from perfection and quickly retired Michael Saunders and John Jaso. That left pinch hitter Brendan Ryan as Seattle’s final chance. With a full count, Humber threw his 96th pitch of the afternoon, a slider that finished well outside the strike zone. Ryan attempted to check his swing, but home plate umpire Brian Runge ruled that he went around for strike three. The pitch had gotten away from catcher A.J. Pierzynski, meaning Ryan still had a chance to reach first, but he immediately turned toward Runge and began arguing the call instead of running. Pierzynski recovered the ball and fired it to Paul Konerko at first base to officially complete the perfect game. The ending instantly became controversial because even after replay, it was difficult to say for certain whether Ryan actually went around. Ryan clearly believed he had checked his swing and was furious with the call, but the decision stood. Humber finished the afternoon with nine strikeouts, retired all 27 hitters he faced and became the 21st pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game. One of baseball’s rarest accomplishments ended on one of the most debated check swing calls imaginable.