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Rubber question?

Rule question? Get it answered here.

by UmpSteve » Mon Nov 24, 2014 12:47 pm

Patrick wrote:
Comp wrote:There is no rule limiting where the pitcher may take, or from whom they may take the signal. The rule simply states the pitcher, after engaging the pitching plate with the hands separated, and with the hands remaining separated must take, or simulate taking a signal. There is no amount of time referenced as to how long the hands must be kept apart. The rule is merely to keep a pitcher from engaging and immediately going into the pitching motion. It is completely umpire judgement as to if the pitcher has kept the hands apart long enough to satisfy the rule.

As to the original post, if the pitcher is engaging and immediatly going into pitching motion it should be called an illegal pitch.


It's not an illegal pitch, it's a no pitch!


Don't mistake the "intent" of a rule (to stop the pitcher from starting a delivery before the batter knows it can be a pitch) with the rule itself and the rulebook effect (failing to take or simulate taking a signal while on the pitching plate AND before bringing the hands together).

ASA 6.1-D; EFFECT: Illegal pitch
NFHS 6-1-b; PENALTY: Illegal pitch
NCAA 10.2.2; EFFECT: Illegal pitch

A quick pitch would be better described as a pitch which meets all (other) legal pitch requirements, but is made before the batter (IN THE UMPIRE'S JUDGMENT) has been given sufficient time to get set in the batter's box. This doesn't relate to the batter doing rituals looking down or holding up a hand if she has had sufficient time but chose to attempt to control the pitcher (and umpire); it means the pitcher has started before the batter could have reasonably gotten ready. THAT is a quick pitch. Failing to meet the requirements for a legal pitch is an illegal pitch.
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