Plate Question

Question
Ok,  got your response.  OK,  here the question again.  Can a plate umpire call strikes and balls in front of the catcher?

Answer
Obviously the ump can't be between the catcher and the pitcher.  The only thing I can think of would be the umpire calling pitches from behind the pitcher and I have only seen this done once.  It was a division 4 High School game in Michigan.  The umpires were no shows, or more likely the AD didn't get umps lined up for the game.

An assistant coach for the visiting team was also registered with the state association, but he did not have his equipment.  Instead of canceling the game, he called the game positioned behind the pitcher.  It didn't really matter as one team was very good and the other team was very poor.  Both games were three inning mercies!