Infield Timeouts in Baseball: When Can a Fielder Call Time Out?
Question
I coach little league baseball. Minor league 9 & 10, and Major league 11 & 12. At what point can an infield call time out to stop play. I thought that once baserunners stop advancing but may be taunting fielder with leading off the base that a fielder can call timeout. It this true.
Thanks Jeff
Answer
hi jeff
sorry about the delay in answering. i thought i did, but the system just sent me a note asking me to answer again.
an infielder can call time out when the umpires feel the play has ended. once runners stop moving to the next base time can be called. it a runner is taunting the fielder, this is a judgment call and a young umpire may not want to grant time. an experienced umpire will realize what is happening and grant the requested time out.
hope this helps.
steve
Varsity Baseball: Homerun with Runner on First - Who's Out?
NFHS Softball: Understanding the Tag Out Rule