Definition: An umpire is the official responsible for presiding over the game, maintaining order, and enforcing the rules. They make the final decisions on plays, such as whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, and whether a runner is safe or out.
In a professional game, there are usually four umpires—one stationed behind home plate and one at each of the three bases. The “home plate umpire” has the most active role, as they call every pitch and track the count of balls and strikes. While players and managers might argue with their decisions, the umpire’s word is the law on the field, and they have the authority to remove anyone from the game who behaves poorly.
Example: The umpire raised his right hand and yelled “Strike!” after the pitcher threw the ball right down the middle.
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