When the umpire raises both open hands above the head, it signifies:

When the umpire raises both open hands above the head, it signifies:

• A. Calming down upset coaches and spectators.
• B. Letting runners reset after vigorous infield play.
• C. Communicating with his partners that everything is set to begin play.
• D. Foul ball, time-out or ball is dead immediately.

Answer: (D)

Raising both hands over the head with palms open is the umpire’s “time” signal. It tells everyone that play is stopped, the ball is dead, and time has been called. This gesture is used for time-outs and other dead-ball situations, so it directly communicates that the current action ends and play won’t resume until time is re-established. The other options describe actions or cues not associated with this official signal.

Raising both hands over the head with palms open is the umpire’s “time” signal. It tells everyone that play is stopped, the ball is dead, and time has been called. This gesture is used for time-outs and other dead-ball situations, so it directly communicates that the current action ends and play won’t resume until time is re-established. The other options describe actions or cues not associated with this official signal.