You're allowed to imbibe.

[WindyCityBlue]

Of course it is in play...it is on the field and declared dead during the pregame. The problem is that YOU put it there!

You will take heat if the waterbottle causes the ball to deflect out of play. You cannot assume that it would have caromed that way, if it wasn't there. Now, I realize that it is a million to one shot that it could happen, but I've seen those plays happen. I don't want to be the umpire that has that happen in a tie game of a conference championship.

Finally, when the final out is made, get off the field. Toss the balls towards the dugout and get out of there. Let's say it was a nail biter and one team thinks you kicked the winning run at the plate. You now have to go to the back stop and unclip your bottle in order to leave. That's just ugly.