Quote:
Originally Posted by dash_riprock
I treat FED & NCAA batters the same. If the pitcher tries to pitch quickly to catch him off guard, or if he tries to freeze him, I'll grant him time. Other than that, there has to be a real good reason or it's "no, stay in here."
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From a game management perspective, I see no reason for refusing to grant time when it's obvious the pitcher isn't about to deliver the pitch. It's no big deal to do so, and both teams usually expect it.
The same is the case when a runner slides into a base and requests time. I've seen some umpires refuse to grant it because they feel the runner can get up and dust himself off without putting himself in peril of being tagged off the base. But really, are you disrupting the flow of the game that much by giving him time so he can get himself settled? Obviously if play is still unrelaxed because other runners are between bases, I wouldn't grant time. But if there is no possibility for a play, grant time and move on. Not doing so seems a little arrogant.
Back to the OP, I won't grant time if it's obvious the pitcher is about to deliver the ball, or if I feel the batter is asking for it too much. Otherwise, I have no problem to do so.