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I think this is an example of changing
the rules (or not following them) by the
umpire. Perhaps it was meant in good faith
and for what he believes is a good reason,
but nevertheless, this ruling can't be
backed up by any rule book, and it not a
customary call.
Kind of like the thread I started last month
where my partner told a kid to back out of
the box and tuck his shirt in. Then he directed
the pitcher to pitch, which he called a strike.
His motivation was to "teach" the kid to keep
his shirt in without being told (again) by the
ump. A good method (in his mind), but totally
against the rules of baseball, and making up his
own proceedures.
The hidden ball trick is not "nice" either,
but it is legal. Being "creative" with the rules
is NOT our prerogative as umpires, IMO.
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