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Just so we're clear, at least as of 1997, it was an accepted and taught mechanic at pro school that the umpire, if he knew the ground rules, could and should give the ground rules at the plate meeting.
This would be especially true if you were in higher levels of baseball where they post the ground rules in the umpire's locker room (before the game) OR if you've been in the league for multiple years such that you knew the ground rules in each park backward and forward.
I always give the ground rules at the pre-game meeting if I now them (which I admit, is not always the case on the amateur level). If I'm wrong, the home coach will correct me (hasn't happened, yet.)
I have, however, finished a plate conference and had a coach say, "Damn, son, you're the most prepared umpire I've ever met." (That is a true story). Needless to say, I did not hear a peep that game.
IMHO, it shows that one is in control of the game in a positive manner (not in a dictatorial manner). I think the Star Wars references are out-of-place in this matter.
It is, of course, perfectly acceptable to allow the home coach to give them. I'm just suggesting that it is also perfectly acceptable for the plate umpire to give them in the alternative. I've found the positives far outweigh the negatives.
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