Implied Time Out or Not that is the question

[Dave Sirbu]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jim Porter:
[b]Pete,

Unless something unusual is happening, I recommend you do away with the, "hand up," gesture. It is unnecessary.

Hi Jim,

I frequently use the "hand up" time out. I find it very necessary at all levels that I umpire (LL, High School, MSBL) Fact of the matter most baseball players (especially pitchers) don't know the rules. Nothing new. We umpires have known that for years. Why jeopardize the batter's well being just because the pitcher should know the "reasonably set" rule. I feel the hand up accomplishes other things besides protecting the batter. It notifies everyone time is out, and most importantly fosters game management. I use "hand up" all the time and I will continue to do so.