Cleaning the Plate

[PeteBooth]

Disagree. 95% of the time this will just delay the game. You can get the plate cleaned off and be ready to go by the time the batter reaches first and the next batter is ready to step into the box.

I was responding to the following comment

I was working a U15 game. I was PU. Batter walked and as he went to first he kicked some dirt on the plate.

I went around and cleaned the plate and as I turn around I see BU calling the R1 safe at 2nd.

It's obvious from the OP that the BR did NOT hesitate and went right onto second base. That's why we do not call TIME right away when F2 requests it UNTIL the BR reaches and is STATIONARY at first base. We NEVER know when the offense has a play on ESPECIALLY at the 15/U age group.

In general, DO NOT Clean the plate during UNRELAXED action.

this will just delay the game.

Cleaning the plate takes all of maybe 30 seconds therefore I totally disagree with the aforementioned statement. Cleaning the Plate does NOT delay the game UNLESS you want to make the plate like NEW.

Pete Booth

[Jboval]

Why do I recall somewhere reading that when you brush the plate, whether you announce "Time" or not, time is implied, and the ball should be put back in play. I am very concious of this when I clean the plate, making sure that if there is any potential of anything happen, I at least hold up my hand and announce "Time" loud enough for the up-coming batter and/or catcher to hear me in case something happens while my back is turned. That way I will have a player that can atest to the fact that I did indeed call "time".

[tommy]

I guess im 50/50 on the old kick off the dirt with the shoe thing. I do think it looks lazy and unprofessional........however as im getting older I have noticed myself doing a few things to help me get through the game. maybe its time to hang em up but I think I still have a few good years left.

[zm1283]

Pete I hope you don't take 30 seconds to clean the plate....that is an eternity. It usually takes me about 7-8 seconds, and I generally don't use my shoe unless their has been a slide at HP and there is a pile of dirt there.

[kylejt]

Pete I hope you don't take 30 seconds to clean the plate....that is an eternity. It usually takes me about 7-8 seconds...

I'm with zm. 7-8 second, which is still a long time with runners on base. It's best to know your situation. I usually raise my hands to get my partner's attention, and he'll gently call time toward the runner. No theatrics, and it's not taking any time from the game at all.

[Rich Ives]

OK - I went to a Pro AA game last night - Binghamton - Eastern League. Binghamton 10, Portland 8, super fireworks after the game.

PU

1) Kicked dirt off the plate several times. I guess this part's OK then.

2) Didn't call time when doing so. But it's grown-ups who wouldn't have been running anyhow, and with two other pro umps watching.

[tjshanno]

If you are staring at the plate while cleaning it, and your fanny is looking at the defense, and there are men on base, how can you not call time? You call time to switch a baseball, or receive a returned foul ball with runners on....? Always seemed automatic. Play relaxes, next batter is likely not in the box yet, takes like 8 seconds to sweep the dish. Would you bend down to tie your shoe with runners on and not call time?

[Umpire in Chief]

You just see the flow of the game and use your umpiring judgement as to if you need to call time. Sure there will be some times you need to call time, but try to minimize those.

[noumpere]

You call time to switch a baseball, or receive a returned foul ball with runners on....?

Yes (only because the "live ball" is being taken out), and no.

Would you bend down to tie your shoe with runners on and not call time?

I learned to tie my shoes so they stay tied back in kindergarten.

(And, again, I'll add that this is for games played with multiple umpires and by players who know the game. You might get a different answer for kids with a single umpire.)

[Mr Umpire]

I don't call 'Time' to clean the plate. I have not been caught by it yet b/c I wait until play is relaxed.

This is for any age level. I just pay attention and wait until I feel like I can without there being a potential play. Unless there is a bucket of dirt on the plate, it takes less than 5 seconds to do.

I don't do it and have not been caught by any plays yet. It is a matter of timing like everything else in baseball.

[therefump]

Do you call Time when you have to clean the plate?

Some Umps around here tell me you should some tell me you don't.

Even if working a 2 man crew, if you turn your back to the field (and proper cleaning is to show your butt to the fielders, not the fans), you MUST call time even if no runners on base. I see no other way.

Worse, if you're only one working, you must call time if you turn your back on the fielders. It kinda looks stupid walking backwards to the plate. Case in point, I had the old "hidden ball" trick tried on me with some 12 yr olds. I had called TIME and turned to put the ball back in play and they tried to pull it. The locals went nuts but the HC understood once I explained to him about Time/Play.:(

[tjshanno]

I learned to tie my shoes so they stay tied back in kindergarten.

The untied shoe was just an example. But congrats on your academic success.

[noumpere]

The untied shoe was just an example. But congrats on your academic success.

Thank you. It was the tuffest three years of my skooling.

[carolinablue]

Thank you. It was the tuffest three years of my skooling.

Good one. Like Jeff Foxworthy said, You might be a redneck if: Your father walks you to school because your both in the same grade.

[noumpere]

Good one. Like Jeff Foxworthy said, You might be a redneck if: Your father walks you to school because your both in the same grade.

If you don't know the difference between "your" and "you're", ...

[Tyennie]

Or "their" "there" and "they're" :clap: