TIME OUT or PLAY ON?

[Steve M]

Some years ago, while umpiring the bases in a tournament, there were players from another team playing pepper or something like that just beyond the centerfield fence. Several times their ball came onto the field and we stopped play each time while the F8 ran out to get the ball & toss it back to them. It got annoying. So I fixed it. I had F8 give me the ball and I tossed it - right into and across the empty soccer field that was on the other side of 3B. I could hardly lift my right arm for the next couple of days, but that was a long throw. Can't tell me that players and parents won't cheer for us umps.

Anyway, the other team decided to either be much more careful or move - 'cuz no more extra balls came onto the field.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Andy

I remember this question coming up on McGriff's several years ago....My response was to kill the play, award appropriate bases, and go from there. I was corrected (by Mike, I believe) and told that the rules (ASA) do not allow me to kill a live ball in this situation. I don't have the book handy to look for a reference right now. Perhaps one of the long time board regulars may remember and comment.....

ASA 10.4.E-H

More or less, the umpire can only suspend play during a live ball due to an injured player which needs medical attention.

[umpharp]

Play on.

Now if the ball from another field enters my field right before a pitch, I'll stop the pitch or yell "No Pitch", however if the ball is already live, then play on.

There is always exceptions to the rule and you should always rule in favor of safety, but in 99% of the cases that I have umpired, we have played on.