With R3 on third base, B2 takes a practice swing that contacts the catcher's glove. The pitcher was still in the process of getting his sign from the catcher and had not started any motion to pitch. What should occur?

• A. Time should be declared by the plate umpire.
• B. All players should be given the opportunity to reset in their positions.
• C. The batter is declared out.
• D. A and B

Answer: (D)

When a pitcher is still during the sign process and has not started any pitch motion, there is no live ball yet. A practice swing that contacts the catcher’s glove does not become a playable action, so the play is dead the moment this occurs.

The correct approach is to stop the action and reset everyone: declare time and return players to their positions. Since no ball is in play, there are no balls or strikes recorded, no outs, and the runner on third stays put until a live ball is delivered. The at-bat remains in progress with the count unchanged.

So, time should be called and all players reset, which is why both actions occur together.