Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/17/2009

Question
one out base runner on second our coach calls time to talk to pitcher on the mound.the other teams coach calls the baserunner over to talk on the third base line the coach talking to the pitcher at the mound tells the pitcher to run with the ball and step on second base that the baserunner can not come off the base and he is out?? Is this true??? The umpire said no time was out that the baserunner is not out??I've always thought time is out if coach is talking to the pitcher at the mound.how ever the coach says he has seen this rule in the book but which one

Answer
Chris,

The runner is not out.

When time out is awarded by the umpire, play is dead.  Runners may not be put out or advance on the bases.  But they can leave the base to talk to a coach - no issue with that.  Play continues when the umpire says it continues and not before.

Hope this helps!

Brian