Joyce, Welke among retiring umpires

Four long-time Major League Baseball umpires have officially announced their retirement, including Tim Welke, of Coldwater, Mich., and Jim Joyce, whose missed call at first base cost Tigers SP Armando Galarraga a perfect game in 2010.

Bob Davidson, known for his fiery temper, and John Hirschbeck also are calling it a career.

Wleke, 59, who was born in Pontiac, announced intentions to retire last year, following knee-replacement surgery. Welke worked four World Series.

Joyce, 61, born in Toledo, was considered one of the best umpires in the game, but is known for one bad call — the “safe” call on what should’ve been the 27th and final out of Galarraga’s perfect game at Comerica Park against the Cleveland Indians.

With the retirements came the announcement of four new full-time umpires, including Adam Hamari, 33, of Marquette, Mich.