The National Baseball League umpire who blew a record-setting call during this week's game between Detroit and Cleveland has returned to the base line.

Umpire Jim Joyce returned Thursday to cheering Tigers fans, just one day after his bad call changed the record books for Detroit pitcher, Armando Galarraga.

Joyce called the runner safe during the 9th inning of Galarraga's perfectly-pitched game -- when he was actually out.

Joyce later earned the respect fans and players after he apologized profusely for his mistake.

"When I walked down that tunnel and I got the reception I did from the Tiger fans... I had to wipe the eyes," Joyce said.

"This is one of the best umpires in the game," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "The guy was in shambles. I mean tears, you know. My heart aches for the guy."

Joyce said he chose to return Thursday night to shake off his mistake despite the offer to take a night off.

Both men are being praised for their sportsman-like behavior.

The umpire's apology is rare in the baseball world.

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig said he will not reverse an umpire's the call.