Calling Time

[JJ]

I heard a good reply from an umpire to a coach at the Illinois Junior High state tournament last weekend. The coach asked if his kids could ask for "Time" after plays so they could get the ball back to the pitcher. The umpire said, "If there's a runner face down in the dirt and he wants to clean himself off, or if one defensive player wants to leave his position to talk to another defensive player, I MIGHT grant "Time" - but remember, coach, if I do grant "Time", you won't be able to get that runner out if he takes off."