What does it mean when a team plays MLB game under protest?

Answer 1

Game under Protest

A manager may protest a game when he believes an umpire's decision has not adhered to the rules.

For example, a grounder is hit to the second baseman and he throws to first and the umpire calls the batter out on a very close play. If the manager believes the runner was safe, he can come out and argue the call (the umpire's decision). He, cannot, however, protest the game; the rules state that, on a force play, if the ball beats the runner to the base, the runner is out.

However, if a batter hits a fly ball off the foul pole, 20 feet up and in plain view, and the umpire calls it a foul ball, the manager may protest the game because the umpire's decision is against the rules: The rules state that a fly ball that hits off the foul pole is a home run.

Below is rule 4.19 from MLB:

Each league shall adopt rules governing procedure for protesting a game when a manager claims that an umpire's decision is in violation of these rules. No protest shall ever be permitted on judgment decisions by the umpire. In all protested games, the decision of the League President shall be final. Even if it is held that the protested decision violated the rules, no replay of the game will be ordered unless, in the opinion of the League President, the violation adversely affected the protesting team's chances of winning the game. Whenever a manager protests a game because of alleged misapplication of the rules, the protest will not be recognized unless the umpires are notified at the time the play under protest occurs and before the next pitch is made or a runner is retired. A protest arising on a game ending play may be filed until 12 noon the following day with the League Office.

(For more information, see Related link below.)

4.19

PROTESTING GAMES.

Each league shall adopt rules governing procedure for protesting a game, when a manager claims that an umpire’s decision is in violation of these rules. No protest shall ever be permitted on judgment decisions by the umpire. In all protested games, the decision of the League President shall be final.

Even if it is held that the protested decision violated the rules, no replay of the game will be ordered unless in the opinion of the League President the violation adversely affected the protesting team’s chances of winning the game.

Rule 4.19 Comment: Whenever a manager protests a game because of alleged misapplication of the rules the protest will not be recognized unless the umpires are notified at the time the play under protest occurs and before the next pitch, play or attempted play. A protest arising on a game-ending play may be filed until 12 noon the following day with the league office.

Answer 2

I don't know. Who do you think I am, Albert Einstein.

Answer 3