Umpire Mechanics

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by tcblue13

He also held up his hand to the pitcher to allow the batter to get set, IMHO not keeping the ball live between pitches. We were told not to do that.

Say what? If necessary, why would you not give the pitcher an indication the batter is not set in the box? Not doing so is just asking for trouble and possible liability for an injury.

And one of my pet peeves, what is going to happen with the live ball in the circle between pitchers anyway? The umpire is not killing the ball, simply giving direction to the pitcher.

Even if a batter holds up her hand, that is not a request for time.

When saying it is "not a request for time", has anyone told you exactly what it is? Of course, it is a request for time. That doesn't mean the umpire must acknowledge and/or grant the request. If the umpire believes it is appropriate to permit the request, so be it.