[DownTownTonyBrown]

It's been quite some time since I've visited the forums let alone posted a response.

There will be some here that recognise my user name and respectible experience.

The base umpire is allowed to call "Time" when they see a definite change in the flight of a bouncing or hit ball (as it contacts the batter). The base umpire must be absolutely certain that the batter is hit. It should be a slightly delayed call in that the plate umpire is given first opportunity to make that call.

The base umpire DOES NOT CALL FOUL OR BATTER OUT. That is a plate umpire decision ... and responsibility. If, as a plate umpire, you can't see this activity the vast majority of the time, then you've probably got some stance/positioning issues that need to be resolved.

As we all know, it does happen occasionally, that the base umpire has a great look at the front of the batter and can readily see the time of that contact, when the plate umpire will have lost sight of the ball. (The batter is between him and the batted ball.)

"TIME!" is the correct base umpire call.

Now the plate umpire must make some decisions and he knows that the contact occurred while the ball was out of his sight. Here are some questions to ask:
Has the batter moved?
No - foul ball. This situation is generally seen with a full swing.
Yes the batter has moved- moved to where? This situation is generally seen with a bunted or slapped ball. Standing still bunting - the batter is likely still in the box. Remeber these are two separate acts - bunt and then run. Slapped - possibly not in the box. In this case the acts of hitting the ball and running are simultaneous and the action of the ball bouncing off the ground is later - probably after the batter has taken a running step or two.

As a plate umpire, if you didn't see the contact and you are properly positioned to see this activity, then because of your partner's call, you know it occurred when the ball was out of your sight. When was that?

The correct decision (if you think about the timing questions above) probably shouldn't, but may require a conference with your partner. The base umpire may well have the information you need but remember: IT IS THE PLATE UMPIRE'S CALL. And there is no big hurry; take your time and figure it out.