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I just received my issue of NASO "Referee" magazine and read the feature on page 38 about Mike Winters, MLB umpire.Now I have never heard of and do not know him but from the article, I now have a lot of respect for the man.
In the article Mike is being interviewed about being on the field for Mark McGwire's home run that broke Roger Maris's single season record. The interviewer asks if Mike seen McGwire miss first base on his HR trot. I will let you read the full answer, but I would ump with this guy any day.
In summary Mike and his partner, Larry Poncino discuss the missed base and what they would have done had McGwire not gone back to touch the bag. Bottom line, Mike states "We would have had to call him out. It would have been an incredible story (to call him out),but I'm glad it didnt happen"
Now my point. How many times have we, as officials, not made a call or choose to ignor a rule because of the importance of a game or action that is taking place? Im not talking about the 15-0 game where if the pitcher throws the pitch between the backstop posts , you call it a strike, either.
Mr. Winters and his partner never did have to make that decision however, I got to believe if they did, it would been by the rules.
Up for discussion.
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