Baseball Rules: Stepping Out of the Box & Strike Calls

Question
Last night, I had a full count and stepped out of the box and the pitcher pitched the ball and the umpire called strike three. I complained that I was not in the box and he replied that I had not called time. From what I understand I do not have to call time to step out of the box after pitches, what is the correct call?

Answer
Hi Matt,

Only an umpire can call time, a player or coach can "request" time but it's up to the umpire if they want to grant it.

You have to ask for time if you want to step out of the box, simply stepping out does not in and of itself do anything.

if the pitch was in the strike zone, I've got strike 3.

ASA 7-3-e is the rule you want.

mark