Quiz -- Putting the Ball in Play

Which of the following are true?

After "time" is called by one of the umpires:

a. Either umpire can call "play" to put the ball live and in play

b. Only the umpire who called "time" can call "play" to put the ball live and in play

c. Only the plate umpire can put the ball back live and in play

What things should the umpire check for before putting the ball back in play (as far as the: batter, pitcher, catcher, runners, fielders, umpires, etc)?

Call

C: Any umpire can call "time" (See 10-2-3b for the plate umpire and 10-3-1 for the field umpire), but only the plate umpire can call "play" to resume play (10-2-3b).

Before putting the ball in play, the UIC should assure that the:

- Batter is in the batter's box and ready

- Catcher is in the catcher's box and ready

- Pitcher is on the pitcher's plate with the ball

- Runners have returned to their bases

- All the fielders (except the catcher) are in fair territory

- Both umpires are ready

So, to finish off this line of questioning:

Question: Could a defensive team ever successfully complete the "hidden ball trick" immediately after a time out?

Answer: No! If the pitcher is not on the pitcher's plate, the UIC cannot put the ball in play. If the UIC mistakenly believes the pitcher has the ball on the pitcher's plate and puts the ball in play (but the UIC was deceived), the UIC must correct the error.