|
Is there such a thing as Momentary Time? The ORB is clear about the situations when we must call Time, and the necessary requirements in order to put the ball back in play. It is my sense that even when the plate ump, or any other ump for that matter, extends his arm forward with his palm away from him like a traffic cop, that this is actually calling or signaling for Time. Typically, we just want the pitcher to give the batter a little extra time. It might be used for a momentary aid to the catcher while he clears dirt form his face or slightly adjusts his gear.
The problem arises with base runners. And I sense this is a bigger problem with JV and lower with runners. What is your call if the the runner takes off and steals? ...or is caught stealing? ... or the pitcher obeys your hand but then disengages with the wrong foot or other wise balks? Base ump puts up his hand to allow runner to tie his shoe at the end of a play, but never actually calls time, only to have the alert fielder tag him out.
Seems like the only way to avert disaster is to consider even momentary pauses as an actual time out, and put the ball back in play with at least the point of your finger, and better yet by verbalizing Play.
Can anyone site an actual rule, case, or recognized guidance?
|