[Ump20]

As pertains to Warren's recent follow-up.

The point you are making is valid, but your conclusion drawn from that point is quite wrong. Look at it this way:

1. A judgement decision of the umpire is final [OBR 9.02(a)]

2. Therefore changing such a judgement decision is ILLEGAL viz "contrary to these rules" [OBR 2.00 Definition of ILLEGAL]

3. In accordance with the principles you put forward, only the rule makers can change the rules, not the people enforcing them.

4. Therefore, the umpire cannot change his OWN judgement decision, once made, unless the rules ALLOW him to do so.

5. OBR 9.02(c) Note, OBR 9.04(c), PBUC interpretations and JEA 9.15 all provide LEGAL occasions when the rules, and decisions made under them, may be changed.

I know what Warren is saying and I agree with it. I think some may be caught up with his emphasis, right as it may be on ILLEGAL. Depending upon the level of play there may be little if any consequence on the field or post-game in terms of a protest being made let alone being upheld. Some coaches might even tell you "nice job" when you actually just screwed up. No one is likely to be fined, and surely no one is going to haul you off to jail. The bottom line is if you have concentrated on all that has been said over the past week you're probably pretty serious about this avocation or "other job" called umpiring. If you accept the argument as presented, not because it comes from Warren or Carl but simply because it is correct on the merits and in keeping with the rules you owe it to your partner(s) and your fellow officials to start making these "corrections" within the rules. You will have made living the precept that the two-blues are the only ones on the field responsible for the integrity of baseball.