Expert: Andrew Senger - 5/15/2009

Question
If the pitcher has control of the ball on the rubber, and runners on first and third, with the runner on firstmaking an attemp to second, how long should the umpire wait to call time

Answer
Randy,

I am a bit confused on what you are asking. I'm assuming the following: After a base hit, there are runners on first and third. The ball is thrown back to the pitcher. As he is standing on the rubber (to pitch to the next batter), the runner at first attempts to steal second.

If I am correct, then the umpire would not call time in this situation. As long as time hasn't been requested, the ball remains live, whether the pitcher is on the rubber or not. The runner could have attempted to reach second at any time.

If I am incorrect in my assumption, please reply with the full situation and I will attempt to answer.