Umpires to Adjust Their Positions

ST. LOUIS â€”  National League president Bill White has ordered umpires to honor players’ requests that they adjust their positioning on the field to keep from interfering with a batter’s line of vision. The directive is an outgrowth of the situation that developed Saturday involving New York Mets first baseman Eddie Murray and second-base umpire Terry Tata.

Murray, the most accomplished player in the game with the bases loaded, came to bat with the bases loaded in the ninth inning of the Cincinnati Reds’ 6-5 victory. Batting right-handed against Norm Charlton, Murray asked Tata to shift to the third-base side of second base so Murray could see the left-handed delivery.

Tata declined, shifting instead to his left. Murray protested what he considered a lack of courtesy afforded other players. The situation got worse and eventually prompted the ejection of Murray, New York Manager Jeff Torborg and Mets third baseman Chico Walker.

The Mets discussed the situation with White, who made his decision. “Basically, it says ‘Get out of the way,�’ White said Thursday. “It should be a courtesy. I don’t like issuing directives. But the players should be able to play the game. It’s no longer up to the umpire’s discretion.�

Murray, contacted Thursday in Montreal, said, “It should be a common courtesy. They’ll move for a second baseman or a shortstop or a center fielder, but if a hitter asks they say no, and we’re confined to a little (batter’s) box. We can’t move very much.�