When is the Ball back in play after TO?

It is not protestable but the umpire did learn the importance of putting in play.

Thanks MST,
I must admit that I was surprised by your response, since if it wasn't protestable then I wouldn't have expected the umpire to formally accept and note the protest in the book. This guy appeared to be in his sixties and competent (though a little passive); maybe he needed this little reminder.

[Playoff time in AL baseball seems to be protest time - last year we replayed the last few innings of a game because one player hadn't worn the appropriate patch on his sleeve - the same patch had been worn all season. Still, it's high-quality baseball and very intense for a large portion of the fans.]

This is one of my pet peaves, put the ball in play.

Even if it's a nod, but preferably a point or wave, something. As stated, hope he learned a valuable lesson. This should just never come up with an experieced umpire IMO.
On foul balls, hbp, anything that kills time, needs to be signalled to play. After time, I always at least have the stop sign up, soon as I drop it we're playing. I personally give the ole "starter's pistol" to the pitcher with verbal "play" loud enough for batter and catcher, during the game. I am very adamant and clear signaling at the beginning of game

I have a few partners that I just don't have it through their skulls yet. We are a small organization, all are former and current SB umpires. All are excellent at the big 6 but these little things keep cropping up, from just a lack of baseball experience, I won't give up on em.

The OP, what was the outcome or are you still waiting? I'm surprised blue just didn't say I pointed or something. I mean everybody in the yard thought it was in play, why didn't the umpire?

Did he leave the runner at 3rd or put him back with no pitch?

I would think the appeal will be rejected, but am torn.
My argument against is: I put my hand/s down, F1, F2 were in their spots, the batter and R1 were where they were supposed to be, everything indicates "play".

My argument for; Umpire said he "didn't put the ball in play". That by definition means "time was out".

From the PBUC manual: After the ball is dead, the plate umpire shall resume play by calling "Play" (pointing to the pitcher)...

Appreciated your comments jjk.
To reply: the original situation became moot - the protesting team ended up winning in extra innings.
The umpire did not move anyone, letting the play stand. I was too far away to hear what he said, but I inferred that he must have agreed that he didn't signal, and that's why he accepted the protest. It seems to me he could have just said "I nodded" or "I squatted" and that passes for a signal putting the ball in play. Thanks again.

[following is for a rules error, not judgement call]

Dad, the umpire noting and recording the protest is for admin purposes, he's not 'accepting' the protest (as in he's agreeing with the complaint). its a requirement. Coach says "I protest", I write it down, tell the scorekeeper, etc and go on with the game. The protest itself isnt relevant.

The merits of the protest are not decided by me on the spot, so I just note the circumstances and finish the game.

Im sure your umppire was doing the same, whether he agreed with the protest or not.

I am with JJK as I habitually put the ball in play verbally and with a signal..it has saved me a bunch of times....

100% agree with Lonblue.....umpires do not accept protests we simply notate them. Protests are to be decided by the league.

quote:

[following is for a rules error, not judgement call]

LonBlue - I think with that you hit what I was getting at with the original post.

Thanks to both you and piaa_ump, I now better appreciate what the umpire is doing when he makes note of the protest.
Thanks for the lesson.

I'm psycotic about putting the ball in play. Also, I watch the the ball at all times. This means if the PU doesn't verbally put the ball in play, then I don't know when it is or isn't live. I had this come up an an Amearican Legion game a few weeks ago. I was on the bases, the pitcher made a nice move to first. Before making a call I asked the PU if the ball was in play. It wasn't so no pick.
Umpires will try to avoid a protest if possible. They will also try to get the game moving with the least amount of argument and ejections. So at times, we will take a protest that we know won't be allowed because it's a judgement call. But instead of standing there and prolonging the discussion we will note the protest and move on. Here again it will prove my oint that a protest will teach somebody something.