When an umpire calls "Play" during a baseball game, the ball is "alive," and the normal pitching, batting, fielding and base-running rules apply, according to the rules of Major League Baseball. If an umpire calls "Time," the ball is "dead," and players can't be called out, baserunners can't advance and runs can't be scored. The umpire can, however, award outs, bases or runs to teams that are entitled to them for actions that occurred before "Time" was called. Foul balls and home-run balls are some examples of dead balls.
Playing Conditions
The umpire can call "Time" if he feels that conditions on the field make continued play impossible. These conditions might include severe weather or a lighting failure within the stadium. He may also call "Time" to examine the ball for damage or defects.
Manager's Request
A manager may ask an umpire to call "Time" in order to confer with his players, such as in a meeting on the mound with the catcher, pitcher and infielders. He may also ask for a timeout to make changes to his lineup, removing one player and substituting another.
Batter's Request
The batter may request a "Time" call in order to step out of the batter's box to adjust his equipment. The umpire will use discretion when accepting the request and is discouraged from allowing the batter to leave the box without good reason. Once the pitcher has started his rotation, the umpire won't call "Time."
If "Time" hasn't been called and the batter isn't in the box when the pitch is delivered, the pitch will be declared a strike, and the ball will be dead, meaning the runners on base will have to hold their positions.
Accidents and Injuries
"Time" will be called if an umpire or a player becomes incapacitated during the game. If the player is unable to continue, a substitute can take his place on the field.
When a fielder catches a fly ball, then falls into the stands, a dugout or the audience, the ball is dead, and baserunners are not permitted to advance. The ball is still alive if the fielder steps into the dugout and remains on his feet; a fall must occur in order for "Time" to be called.
Contact With the Ball
If a batter is hit by a pitch, the ball is dead and the batter moves to first base. A ball hit into fair territory may also be declared dead if it touches a baserunner or an umpire on fair ground before it touches an infielder or passes the position of an infielder other than the pitcher.
A pitched or foul ball that gets lodged in the protective equipment worn by the umpire or catcher is also dead, but the baserunners may advance one base. A foul ball that bounces off an umpire but is caught by a fielder before it hits the ground is also a dead ball, and the batter can't be called out on that play.
During a Play
The only occasions when the umpire is permitted to call "Time" while a play is in progress is when a failure of lighting makes it difficult for the umpires to see the action on the field or when an accident on the field causes injury to a player or an umpire, preventing him from fulfilling his duties. In all other cases, the umpire must wait until the play is complete before calling "Time."
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