MLB Umpire without mask during IBB?

[Rich]

Originally posted by DG
I forget the situation, and the players, but there is a fammous strike call in a situation like this. I want to say Johnny Bench was involved, but I can't remember. Anyway, it was a called third strike. I have never had a strike to call, but have always been ready for one, and I have had some players swing at pitches out of the zone but close enough to reach and I would rather watch that with my mask on.

I agree with that. I always keep my mask on, but I certainly don't set up to call a pitch. It only takes one wild swing to foul one back off the nose.

I'll admit I've done it occasionally in higher level games, though.

--Rich