Time called by umpire on ball four.

Question
In fastpitch softball with a runner on third and ball four to the batter. As the batter/baserunner is headed to first base the opposing coach comes out of the dugout requesting time be called. The ball is returned to the pitcher. The batter/baserunner rounds first base and without hesitating continues toward second base. The umpire says he has called time and makes the runner return to first base. Can the umpire call time while the ball is live and the runner has not reached first base or has continued to advance toward second base without hesitating?

Answer
Unforthunately in this situation, when the umpire throws his hands in the air and calls time, the ball is immediatley dead.  An umpire should never kill play while play is still going on.  The only exception I can see to this is for a severe injury.  Your umpire should have waited until the play had stopped before honoring the request for time.

Tom