gruberted,
First let me apologize to you for the uncalled for sarcasm in my earlier remarks on this thread. I realize it was immature of me - but i just couldn't resist. ;-)
On to your question. It is certainly within the umpire's authority, by rule, to instruct you to tuck in your gloves so that they are not hanging outside of your pockets.
The most relevant rules are: (these are from OBR)
"9.01 ...(b) Each umpire is the representative of the league and of professional baseball, and is authorized and required to enforce all of these rules. Each umpire has authority to order a player, coach, manager or club officer or employee to do or refrain from doing anything which affects the administering of these rules, and to enforce the prescribed penalties. (c) Each umpire has authority to rule on any point not specifically covered in these rules."
Since there is no rule which grants you the "right" to have gloves hanging out of your pockets, the umpire is clearly within the bounds of his juridstiction in instructing you to tuck them in.
While reasonable people could hold opposing positions on the question of whether or not the umpire was being "picky" in so instructing you, there is no legitimate basis for not complying with the instruction.
JM
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