Umps' statement

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 1, 2000

This is the statement released by third-base umpire John Shulock, head umpire for Wednesday night's game against the Orioles. The statement was written by Sandy Alderson, executive vice president of baseball operations, and is entitled "Making the Correct Call."

"As the Official Playing Rules state, the first requisite of an umpire is to get all decisions ultimately correct. Umpire dignity is important, but never as important as getting the play right.

"To this end, it is the policy of Major League Baseball that umpires always seek to get the call right. This, on occasion, will involve the reversal of a previously rendered decision. However, the correct decision -- not the self-interests of any umpire -- must prevail.

"Umpires are to seek assistance from each other if blocked out on a play. Umpires must remember that the main objective is to have all decisions ultimately correct."

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

Headlines

Americans Lose in 1st Round of Davis Cup

---