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Alan,
The black book that I'm referring to, indeed has the rules of Major League Baseball. Much like the red and green books, it contains additional information applicable to officiating the game at that level. It is part case book, part guidelines and part rules. I have one in front of me.
MLB Umpire Manual Procedures and Interpretations is another volume issued to all rostered MLBUA members and any AAA umpire that substitutes. I also have one of those.
I'm only pointing out the facts. A couple of people enjoyed piling on a few weeks ago and I was able to live through it. They called names and cast aspersions on my experience and knowledge. I defended myself and threw a few barbs back. I found it ironic that when I first posted this thread. Almost 60 members viewed it and not one responded. In my heart of hearts, I know that the Wizard and Mini Me were two of those (they can't help themselves when they see my name). Yet, they had no argument for the new evidence. No apology...no integrity. Mr. Ives chose to enter the fray and was thumped in the process. (If you throw stones...)
I appreciate the fact that you are trying to tame my thoughts. The fact is, that more than a few people here realize that if you are going to offer up something here, you need to be able to handle the criticism. I am a man of my convictions. I have lived a life that few get to enjoy. I make some radical opinions and stand by them. If I make a mistake, and I have mad many, I have tried to acknowledge as much. Some may view my opinions as mistaken ("Get the Call Right") while others see the thoughts behind them. I am not here to win friends or show people how intelligent I am. My thoughts are usually clear and my points salient.
Name calling is part of officiating. Having been there, I can testify to the fact that professional umpires know how to give it back without ejecting. I'm not a sailor, but when I worked at that level, if someone got in my face and started in, I always won.
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