About Matt Smith Expertise I can answer pretty much any question dealing with rules of the game and players of the game after 1998. I know a little before this time period but the vast majority of my knowledge is 1998 to present.
Experience I have been a baseball fanatic since I was 4. I am 28 now.
Publications ezinearticles.com and my web-site www.smithbaseball.com
Education/Credentials HS Graduate, Veterinary Medicine certification and Broadcasting School graduate.
Question This situation occurred in a Youth baseball game (13 and 14 year olds). In the last inning with two out and a man on second, the home plate umpire went into a diabetic seizure and had to leave the game. A new umpire was called in. When the defense took the field, the second baseman had the ball and the umpire never asked to see the ball or check to see that the pitcher had the ball. The batter step into the box, the pitcher looked to home plate without his foot on the rubber, and the man on second took a lead, at which time the second baseman tagged the runner and the umpire called him out. The offense appealed to the umpire that you can't resume play without the ball on the mound. Further, if the pitcher is taking signs with his foot off the rubber, isn't that a balk? However, my question is more focussed on what rule governs the restarting of a game and is it required that a game restart with the ball in the pitcher's hand?
Answer Wow. Very interesting stuff. I am not 100% on this ruling but my first thought was probably the same as yours. If there is a stoppage in play, such as rain delay or the umpire having a seizure, then I would assume that the pitcher would have to have the ball in order for play to resume. I am also not sure about the pitcher being able to take signs without the ball. I wish I could be more of a help. Nice question. Perhaps one of the more seasoned experts could help you out with this. Have a good day.
