allowing the batter time out

NFHS rules 6-2-4d
1. If the pitcher, with a runner on base, stops or hesitates in his delivery because the batter steps out of the box (a) with one foot or (b) with
both feet or (c) holds up his hand to request “Time,” it shall not be a balk. In (a) and (c), there is no penalty on either the batter or the pitcher. The umpire shall call “Time” and begin play anew.

Posted May 12, 2010 11:26 AM Hide Post
NFHS rules 6-2-4d
1. If the pitcher, with a runner on base, stops or hesitates in his delivery because the batter steps out of the box (a) with one foot or (b) with
both feet or (c) holds up his hand to request “Time,” it shall not be a balk. In (a) and (c), there is no penalty on either the batter or the pitcher. The umpire shall call “Time” and begin play anew.


Ok, it wasn't a balk and the umpire does not have to signal that time out was granted. Good to know.

In this case, the batter did not step out of the box and had no idea that time was granted, since it hadn't been previously. And with this umpire, had the batter stepped out and the pitcher thrown the ball, he would have counted it as a strike/ball, saying time wasn't granted. He's done that in the past.

quote:

In this case, the batter did not step out of the box and had no idea that time was granted, since it hadn't been previously. And with this umpire, had the batter stepped out and the pitcher thrown the ball, he would have counted it as a strike/ball, saying time wasn't granted. He's done that in the past.

As he should, assuming the pitcher didn't stop or hesitate in his delivery.

As a point of rule...batters do not call time out. they request it. Only the umpire can call time out....Batters should not assume they will be granted time at every request.

Baseball is a mental game, but it is not in the best interest of the game to allow uncontrolled time outs. Many new HS age players learn this the hard way, the pitcher is in his motion, the batter puts his hand up and steps out of the box only to take a strike when time is not granted..........

quote:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

As a point of rule...batters do not call time out. they request it. Only the umpire can call time out....Batters should not assume they will be granted time at every request.

Baseball is a mental game, but it is not in the best interest of the game to allow uncontrolled time outs. Many new HS age players learn this the hard way, the pitcher is in his motion, the batter puts his hand up and steps out of the box only to take a strike when time is not granted..........

______________________________________________________________________________________


Right. That is understood and is why the batter didn't step out of the box. But then why is the same not expected of the pitcher? They can assume the time out is granted and don't get called for the balk when it wasn't granted. It really should not ever be assumed by either party. If the batter is penalized for assuming it, the pitcher also should be. Just my opinion, I guess. Thanks for the clarification!

quote:

Originally posted by PReese:

Right. That is understood and is why the batter didn't step out of the box. But then why is the same not expected of the pitcher? They can assume the time out is granted and don't get called for the balk when it wasn't granted. It really should not ever be assumed by either party. If the batter is penalized for assuming it, the pitcher also should be. Just my opinion, I guess. Thanks for the clarification!

If the batter causes the balk, it's not a balk. It has nothing to do with assuming time has been called. I can't imagine the pitcher causing the batter to step out.

quote:

Originally posted by PReese:
..... With one specific batter, he ignored the hand request on the first pitch, then on the third pitch the batter again held up his hand and the pitcher balked, according to the field umpire...

Too many times we see batters automatically holding their hand up, for no good reason. Umpires are taught to insure the pitcher doesnt throw before the batter is ready, and will ignore the batters "request" because they see the pitcher isnt ready to pitch either.
This batter asking twice in 1 at bat lets me make an educated guess that 1) the batter is still in LL mental mode, 2)thinks that raising his hand means "time", or 3)is taking way too long to get ready- gotta do my MLB prep.

Sounds like the umpire got the call right for the wrong reason. Time probably wasn't called, but the pitcher stopped because of the batter's actions so there is no balk.
Years ago there was a LL allstar team that would step toward the pitcher, throw his hand up and yell time. The coach was shocked when I didn't enforce the balk. That stopped in quick order. I explained it was going to end the manager's day if it did.