Quote:
Originally posted by Rich Ives
I think you have made a rare mistake Rich
MLBUM 3.4:
"A substitution is completed and the player is considered as having entered the game when the manager or his designee notifies the plate umpire of the substitution. If no such notification is given to the umpire or after notification no announcement is made, the player shall be considered as having entered the game when:
"(1) If a pitcher, he takes his place on the pitcher's plate prior to delivering a pitch (preparatory or
otherwise);"
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Memoirs of several former professional umpires mention firestorms that occurred when they properly enforced the rule.
But note that Mr. Fronheiser made no claim that what he did was right. All he said was: "I would never interpret 'taking the rubber' as anything other than what is intended -- pitching to a batter."
Considering the points you make in your upcoming article, that shouldn't be hard for you to understand, if not approve of.