[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by rei

Really? I quit calling time to clean the plate years ago! I see no reason to do so! My partner can handle the bases for a few seconds without my assistance! I consider guys that DO call time every time to be "Smitty's" because it seems that only a Smitty feels the need to kill the ball to do a bit of sweeping UNLESS he is working by himself. In that case, indeed, it would be very prudent to call time to clean the plate, although truthfully, I probably still wouldn't.

The play DOES stand. I have never seen anything anywhere that requires the umpire to call time to clean the plate. If the defense is not situation aware, that is not my problem.

rei:

If I am your partner and I am the BU, you can be sure that no base runner will be advancing because the ball is DEAD!! And if the offensive coach wants to have a conference with a runner he is going to have to request a TIMEOUT from either me or you. I am not going to let any play be made while you are cleaning the plate.

MTD, Sr.