[JRutledge]

be upset. You are the one in charge technically, so you need to be the one running the meeting. The plate umpire is the Umpire in Chief and you and only you is the one that can make cetain decisions, like forfeiting a game for example. Your partner in this case (base umpire) cannot. You need to run that meeting. If he wanted to be in charge, he should have put on his equiptment.

I would just have said to him later, "should I have run the meeting?" And just wait for his response. If he seems combative about the situation, report him to your assignor, state, or association if you feel it needs to be. But understand, you will take the heat ultimitely if something happens in that game. It is the same in basketball and the Referee. The Referee is in charge and runs the pregame meeting with the captains and coaches. There is no option there, period.