Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/26/2007

Question
When can the defensive team's coach able to call time? Example: man on third, batter walks, Pitcher is in the grass receiving the ball. Batter steals 2nd and pitcher runs toward 2nd, runner on third steals home. Defensive coach called time after the walk was awarded. Can he do this at any time or does the pitcher have to be on the pitching rubber.

Answer
Robert,

No one on the baseball field can call time except for an umpire.  Everyone else can just request the umpire to call time.

So, if the umpire did not call time, there is no time.  It is the umpire's judgement to call time.  If the umpire believed play was ongoing and someone requests time, he should not grant it (unless injury or some other very unusual event).

Hope this helps!

Brian