Rules to protest a game

Question
QUESTION: Can a manager or team official file an official protest after a game had been officially completed?  Or does a protest have to be made prior to the next pitch in the inning of the questionable play or decision?

Thank you.

ANSWER: Roland,

For most protests, the protest must be made to the umpire-in-chief prior to the next pitch after the play. Some protests may be upheld later, such as ineligible players in the game, exceeding pitching limits, and other situations dealing with the eligibility of the players. In fact, these situations aren't usually in the jurisdiction of the umpire to judge, but should still be protested to the umpire when the error is found. The umpire would mark the point of the protest for future information.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So in a situation of an ineligible player in the game etc, the manager brought it to the attention of the chief umpire but did not inform him that he was officially protesting the game.  The game was allowed to continue. But instead he waited until the game was over then submitted an official letter of protest to the league officials. As a result, within 45 minutes after the game we were notified that we lost the game because of the protest.
What is your professional opinion on this ruling?

Answer
Roland,

The umpire's duties do not carry into ineligible players (other than what has occurred in the current game). Personally, I would allow the coach to protest the game at any point if there's proof of an ineligible player. I would even guess that if the mistake is found later (for example, the coach didn't know an opposing player was suspended until after the game), the league would allow a protest at any point during the season.