Timeout hand toward pitcher not PU

[Larry Wolfe]

I agree with Delblue and SC Ump. This really touches a pet peeve of mine. All this hand up just slows down the game. I simply tell the batter to get in the box and that I will not let the pitcher pitch until they are set and I tell the pitcher they should not pitch until the batter looks up. I normally do not grant time for the batter to get in the box because that time out applies to ALL action on the field and play does not start again until I say "play". No where in the rule book is it required for the umpire to call time for the batter to get in the box. The rules to provide for the prevention of the "quick pitch" and for 10 seconds for the batter to get ready. This method works well for me and the batter and pitcher quickly settle into a routine of play at a steady pace.