You Make the Call #2`

[Dakota]

Technically, a bad call.

Game management-wise, a bad explanation, unless he had instructed them to wear their uniforms properly already.

In giving the explanation, he had his choice of lies (unless he was willing to award the base).

He could either lie about the rule (which he did - the rule requires the uniform to be worn properly but does not remove the HBP award if it is not) or he could lie about what he saw (better game management choice, IMO, once he has decided he is not going to follow the rule and award the base). "Coach, in my judgment, the ball did not make contact. It was close, but I cannot say it made contact. Ball 3." If he had already warned them about uniforms, he could say it such a way the coach gets the message.