I voted no, umpires do NOT determine which team wins any particular game. However, an umpire (especially a PU) CAN determine which team wins any particular game if s/he wished to do so. All I need is, at most, 16 pitches thrown to push a run across the plate. I can make calls so obviously wrong and one-sided, not calling players out or calling players out on the other side. Wrong team is ahead? My oh my, every one of their runners is leaving early, sorry young lady, you are out. "My" team needs a couple of runs? "Safe, off the bag".
Of course, as an umpire I would need to care enough who wins to submarine my reputation and self-respect to do this. Umpires just are not that invested in WHO wins. I know for me, and I suspect for the vast, vast majority of brothers and sisters in blue, it is about the GAME. The GAME needs to win each and every time we take the field.
Of course, as an umpire I would need to care enough who wins to submarine my reputation and self-respect to do this. Umpires just are not that invested in WHO wins. I know for me, and I suspect for the vast, vast majority of brothers and sisters in blue, it is about the GAME. The GAME needs to win each and every time we take the field.