Major League Baseball (MLB) is a sport steeped in tradition and statistical precision, yet it is also subject to the whims of luck, both good and bad. Some of the most memorable moments in MLB history are not only defined by skill and strategy but also by sheer bad luck, which can turn the tide of a game, a season, or even a career.

One notorious instance of bad luck is the story of Armando Galarraga’s near-perfect game in 2010. Pitching for the Detroit Tigers, Galarraga was one out away from achieving one of baseball’s rarest feats when a controversial call by first base umpire Jim Joyce ruled the 27th batter safe. Replays clearly showed that the runner was out, and Joyce, devastated by his mistake, tearfully apologized after the game. Despite the graciousness of Galarraga and the Tigers, the blown call remains one of the unluckiest moments in MLB history.

Another example is Bill Buckner’s infamous error in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. Playing for the Boston Red Sox, Buckner misplayed a routine ground ball at first base, allowing the New York Mets to score the winning run and forcing a Game 7, which the Mets ultimately won. Buckner’s error epitomized bad luck and became a symbol of the Red Sox’s decades-long championship drought, haunting him for years despite a successful career.

Injuries, too, illustrate the cruel hand of bad luck in MLB. Take the case of Ken Griffey Jr., one of the most talented players of his generation, whose career was significantly hampered by injuries. Despite his immense talent and early success, Griffey’s potential was curtailed by a series of unfortunate injuries, preventing him from breaking records and reaching even greater heights in baseball history.

Weather can also play a role in the misfortune of MLB teams. In the 2008 World Series, Game 5 between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Tampa Bay Rays was suspended due to heavy rain, creating a unique and challenging situation for both teams. The Phillies ultimately emerged victorious, but the weather disruption added an element of unpredictability and stress, especially for the Rays, who struggled to regain momentum after the delay.

Even modern technological advancements have not eradicated bad luck from the game. The advent of instant replay has helped correct many umpiring errors, but it cannot account for every nuance of the game. Miscommunications, split-second decisions, and the inherent unpredictability of baseball ensure that bad luck remains a constant, if unwelcome, companion.

These instances of bad luck in MLB underscore the unpredictable nature of the sport. They highlight the thin line between triumph and disaster, where even the most skilled players and well-prepared teams can fall victim to forces beyond their control. Such moments, while frustrating, add to the rich tapestry of baseball, reminding us that fortune, both good and bad, plays an inescapable role in the drama and allure of the game.