Base Coaches: Optional or Required?


As the top of the inning is about to begin, the pitcher tells the plate umpire that he does not need any warm-up pitches. The first pitch to the lead-off batter (B1) is singled into the outfield. However, B1 tries to stretch the single into a double and is thrown out at second base. 
 
At the end of the play, the offensive coach argues that the umpire started the inning before he had a chance to get either of his base coaches into the coach's box.
 
What do the umpires do now?
 
Call
In NF, the coach's boxes may be occupied by a player or coach, but it is not required (NF 3-2-1). In the situation below, there is no penalty and the play stands.