[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by MRD

Federation. Runners on 2nd and 1st. Two man crew. Plate ump takes his mask off , turns hus rump to the pitcher and proceeds to whisk off the plate. Runner on 2nd calmly strolls over to 3rd base as iff to talk to the coach. When he gets there he stays on the bag. Defensive coach screems that he has to go back to 2nd because plate ump had his back turned so time was automatically out. Umps allow runner to remain. what do you think?

I have been following this thread since last night. AND the bottom line is that if the PU is going to turn his back to the field to clean the plate he had better call timeout and if he does not call timeout, timeout is implied. While the offense made a good effort to gain a base, BUT the PU had stopped the game to clean home plate and that means the ball is dead.

With all due respect to the people that have taken the postion that the PU should not make the ball dead when turning his back to the playing field to clean home plate: I cannot understand how any umpire would allow the ball to remain live in this situation. To do so is utter nonsense.

MTD, Sr.