Batter calling time

[badvikingman]

This weekend at Rising Stars umpire refused to give the batter time after pitcher took a great deal of time before each pitch. Pitcher was waiting up to 15 seconds after the batter was ready to deliver the pitch. This happened repeatedly. Should a batter get time when they ask? Umpire when asked (politely) told us she does not give time once a batter enters the box. She told us that the batter has 10 seconds to get in the box and the pitcher has ten seconds to deliver the pitch. What if the batter gets something in her eye? It seems dangerous not to give time to a batter. I agree that the umpire needs to move game along but this was unnecessary and she could have pushed the pitcher to not to try to freeze the batter before each pitch.

[BlitzkriegBob]

Should a batter get time when they ask?

That's the only question I see in your post. The answer to that is a resounding "It depends." There are dozens of things that I will consider in about one second before I decide whether or not I will grant any request for time. I wasn't there, so I really can't comment on what the umpire decided. You seem to know that a batter can only request time, not call time, so perhaps you just wanted to blow off steam rather than actually ask a question.

Actually I just noticed a second question.

What if the batter gets something in her eye?

Well if a big cloud of dust suddenly gets whipped up right as the pitcher is bringing her hands together, then I probably wouldn't need a batter to ask me for time, I would call time myself. But if it's a calm day with a nicely watered infield, then I'm not very likely going to buy in to the "the batter got something in her eye" theory.

[Skarp]

The ump should either allow time or not allow the pitcher to take an inordinate amount of time to deliver the ball. We had an ump doing the same thing (refusing to allow time) this weekend, and the pitcher was taking 20-30 seconds to throw her pitches. It was pretty absurd, really.

[Rounding 3rd]

I had one this weekend that did not give my player time after the pitcher stared in for at least 15 seconds (catcher was still getting sign from coach). I politely asked why he did not give her time and the blue said she “whispered it”. I asked “ so you heard her request for time but refused it because she did not say it loud enough correct?” He said yep!! . I just gave him the big grin and walked away.

OH Mr. blitz. You must be “Superblue” because the Umps I have seen—well,,,,,the only 12 things they could think about in 1 second was the extras that they wanted on their Nachos

[22'sDad]

What is the ASA rule on pitch time? Were you playing ASA rule?
I believe its 20 seconds, typically called by the field blue. My first approach would be to consult with him by calling time or between innings.

[MTR]

What is the ASA rule on pitch time? Were you playing ASA rule?
I believe its 20 seconds, typically called by the field blue. My first approach would be to consult with him by calling time or between innings.

ASA is 20 seconds from the time the pitcher receives the ball or umpire directs the pitcher to play.

It is the PU call. The BU could make it, but s/he shouldn't.

An umpire should not allow time once the batter gets set unless there are extenuating circumstances (blowing dirt, etc.)

[NewCoach]

Blowing dust? In Midland and Lubbock you might have to call time until Tuesday.

[Skarp]

What is the ASA rule on pitch time? Were you playing ASA rule?
I believe its 20 seconds, typically called by the field blue. My first approach would be to consult with him by calling time or between innings.

ASA is 20 seconds from the time the pitcher receives the ball or umpire directs the pitcher to play.

It is the PU call. The BU could make it, but s/he shouldn't.

An umpire should not allow time once the batter gets set unless there are extenuating circumstances (blowing dirt, etc.)

The pitcher typically receives the ball directly after the preceding play. Meanwhile the batter is coming in from the on-deck circle, getting her sign, etc. By the time she gets set, the pitcher has likely had the ball for at least 10, and probably more like 15-20 seconds. So, after the batter gets set, are you saying that the umpire should not allow time when it's taking the pitcher an additional 20 seconds to throw a pitch?

[GIMNEPIWO]

What is the ASA rule on pitch time? Were you playing ASA rule?
I believe its 20 seconds, typically called by the field blue. My first approach would be to consult with him by calling time or between innings.

ASA is 20 seconds from the time the pitcher receives the ball or umpire directs the pitcher to play.

It is the PU call. The BU could make it, but s/he shouldn't.

An umpire should not allow time once the batter gets set unless there are extenuating circumstances (blowing dirt, etc.)

The pitcher typically receives the ball directly after the preceding play. Meanwhile the batter is coming in from the on-deck circle, getting her sign, etc. By the time she gets set, the pitcher has likely had the ball for at least 10, and probably more like 15-20 seconds. So, after the batter gets set, are you saying that the umpire should not allow time when it's taking the pitcher an additional 20 seconds to throw a pitch?

The batter has 10 seconds, the pitcher has 20 ... So no, the pitcher does not have 20 seconds after the batter gets set, ( NFHS, can't find my ASA right now ) Rule 6-2-3, "Once the ball has been returned to the pitcher for the next pitch, she has 20 seconds to release the pitch" the result is an illegal pitch and the batter is awarded a ball unless the ball was hit, delayed dead ball and the offensive coach is given the option of taking the ball or the result of the play ... Rule 7-3-1, " A batter shall not delay the game to failing to promptly take her position in the batters box within 10 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher to prepare for the next pitch, or by stepping out of the box while the pitcher is on the pitchers plate" Result is a called strike, if it is the third strike the batter is out ...

[badvikingman]

The pitcher was getting set on the pitchers plate and waiting 5 to 10 seconds while the batter was ready. It was done for the purpose to freeze the hitter. Cat and mouse stuff. By the way, the pitcher was excellent. One of the best we have ever faced. She did not not need to play this game. Umpire should have put a stop to the nonsense or at least give the batter time.