Altered Bat? You make this call (or do you?).

[AtlUmpSteve]

Nc452010;

In my opinion, you are making way too much out of this. Or maybe your buddy did, but get over it, and work with the program.

When you, your buddy, or any other umpire does a bat inspection, it is your sole judgment if a bat has a dent, a crack, a rivet popped out, or any other defect that renders it illegal. That is YOUR JUDGMENT for this game. It matters not even one iota if every other umpire thinks it is okay, you get to make that judgment for this game. In a tournament, the UIC can overrule you; in a league game, it is your call.

He threw that bat out; he has that authority for that game, and, frankly, any other game he umpires. He can't force the league to throw it out, or even to test it; but he can disqualify it any game he chooses. Is it altered? I don't know, and I'm not sure he knows, but he can do what he did.

This isn't much different a discussion than the coach who thinks he can stand outside the dugout while on defense; he can't, according to the rules. He will tell you he isn't gaining an unfair advantage; your response should be that if there is no advantage gained, it shouldn't matter to him that he can't do it.

Now, substitute that bat, and using it, for being outside the dugout, and doing it during live ball play. If the bat isn't enhanced illegally, then there is no disadvantage from being told it is judged illegal for this game. There is no protest available, since umpire judgment is the criteria. So, get over it, and move on.