Quote:
Originally posted by whiskers_ump
greymule,
I was wondering the same. Because as long as there is a
play in progress, we as umpires, should never call time.
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Hey, you guys were looking for a manner in which to handle a particular situation. If there are runners on 2nd & 3rd already, the BR isn't going anywhere beyond 1B. If the catcher is smart, or coached properly, they would never throw the ball back to the pitcher until the BR reaches 1B or requests time for a conference. I'm not suggesting you arbitrarily kill the ball. I would be sure that it was obvious no play was imminent.
What if the BR wants to remove a guard from the ankle/shin, get a jacket, change helmets, etc. prior to advancing to 1B? If a coach helps the BR on with a jacket, puts their hand on her shoulder with a word or two of encouragement and turns her toward 1B, are you going to rule the BR out for being assisted? In this situation, there is no good reason to delay a conference, sweeping of the plate, line-up change, etc. As I said, I'm not suggesting you arbitrarily kill the ball. I would be sure that it was obvious no play was imminent. A little preventive umpiring wouldn't hurt anyone in this situation.