Batty67 posted:Fair enough Freddy77.
I'm of the opinion that an umpire does exert some control over how the game is playing out and that it is appropriate, as others have chimed in, for the catcher and/or HC to politely let him know that the pitcher is still entitled to the inner part of the plate...in an extreme case as this was.
Good to start/continue a good dialogue on these boards!
Batty, I believe all the catcher has to do to let the ump know the pitcher is still entitled to the inner part of the plate is to simply set up there with the target on the inner third or on the black. And, better yet, then the pitcher throws it there.