Pitcher Wearing Sunglasses


 
In the middle of the inning, the defensive team brings in a relief pitcher. While the new pitcher is warming up, the offensive coach points out that the new pitcher is wearing sunglasses and they must be removed. Must the umpire now require the new pitcher to remove his sunglasses?
 
Call
The NF rule set mentions items on the pitcher's hands, wrists, and arm that may be distracting to the batter. Eyewear is not mentioned. However, there is an MLB rule interpretation that an umpire has the authority to have any player remove any item that the umpire believes is distracting. A request by a coach does not require the umpire to act -- that remains the judgment of the umpire. In the situation below, the umpire may ask the pitcher to remove the sunglasses, if the umpire believes them to be distracting.