ASAPAump wrote:This is from the 2005 ASA rulebook, which is the one I have handy right now. I doubt the rule has changed since then.
Then maybe you should track down Luau for a newer book, assuming you are registered.
Rule 6.10.E.
A no pitch is declared when:
E. No player, manager or coach shall call time, employ any other word or phrase, or commit any act while the ball is alive and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch. A warning shall be issued to the offending team, and a repeat of this type act by any member of the team warned shall result in the offender being ejected from the game. EFFECT - The ball is dead, and all subsequent action on that pitch is canceled.
And what word, phrase or act did the coach employ to make the pitcher commit an IP? S/he is no longer permitted to communicate with their player once the pitcher begins her motion?
And for that matter, from the OP, we don't even know if the pitch has begun at this point.
MTR, here is the rule you are looking for:
Rule 7.3.E.
After the ball is in play, the batter may not step out of the batter's box to stop play unless time has been granted by the umpire.
EFFECT - All action will continue and the pitch will be called.
EXCEPTION - If special conditions warrant, such as a ball from another field, a wind gust putting dust in a better's eyes, or car lights in the batter's eyes, time can be called.
Not really. This is simply a redundant statement that clearly states the batter cannot stop play be stepping out of the BB. There is no requirement that the batter stay in the BB once the pitcher prepared to pitch.
By rule, this is an IP unless the umpire judges the coach's/batter's action(s) intentional for the purpose of causing the pitcher to react.