[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by sdldad

I coach a Cal Ripken 10u team and I have a question about calling time. As I seem to recall from my years of playing baseball and watching MLB, an infielder may ask for time if he is within the baseline and no runner is attempting to advance his position. In that circumstance the umpire may at his discretion call time stopping play until the pitcher returns to the mound and the umpire yells play ball. Please help me in finding if this is accurate or if I have been mistaken in my history.

Calling TIME slows the game down. Also, just because the ball is in the infield and no runner is attempting to advance does not automatically result in an umpire granting time.

Remember when time is called, the ball must be made live again. Baseball is not a timed sport (with the eception of tournamnets in which a time limit is imposed). Calling TIME will add needless minutes to a game.

Here's the OBR rule for reference when an umpire should grant TIME.

OBR 5.10
The ball becomes dead when an umpire calls "Time." The umpire in chief shall call "Time"_

(a) When in his judgment weather, darkness or similar conditions make immediate further play impossible;

(b) When light failure makes it difficult or impossible for the umpires to follow the play; NOTE: A league may adopt its own regulations governing games interrupted by light failure.

(c) When an accident incapacitates a player or an umpire; (1) If an accident to a runner is such as to prevent him from proceeding to a base to which he is entitled, as on a home run hit out of the playing field, or an award of one or more bases, a substitute runner shall be permitted to complete the play.

(d) When a manager requests "Time" for a substitution, or for a conference with one of his players.

(e) When the umpire wishes to examine the ball, to consult with either manager, or for any similar cause.

(f) When a fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a bench or stand, or falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on the field. As pertains to runners, the provisions of 7.04 (c) shall prevail. If a fielder after making a catch steps into a bench, but does not fall, the ball is in play and runners may advance at their own peril.

(g) When an umpire orders a player or any other person removed from the playing field.

(h) Except in the cases stated in paragraphs (b) and (c) (1) of this rule, no umpire shall call "Time" while a play is in progress.

Pete Booth