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First, I'd want to know what exactly the umpire ruled. Was it 6-3-J? Or was it 7-5-G with no runners on (catcher failing to return the ball to the pitcher)? The latter is quite the reach, but I'd have to have his ruling first before I could make mine.
I'm inclined to agree with Tru_in_Blu. The rule says "OR after the umpire indicates 'play ball.'" If a pitcher is trying to show up the umpire that way, he deserves to have ball 4 called on him without a subsequent pitch thrown.
By rule, I say the umpire was correct. The PU can expect to catch hell from the defense, but if the pitcher pulls those kinds of shenanigans on the field, that's an appropriate way to handle it.
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Dave
I haven't decided if I should call it from the dugout or the outfield. Apparently, both have really great views!
Screw green, it ain't easy being blue!
I won't be coming here that much anymore. I might check in now and again.
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