[IRISHMAFIA]

Rule Clarification March 2009

Rule 6 Fast Pitch: There have been a few questions in regards to the new rule in Fast Pitch regarding the use of the Gorilla Gold product recently approved by the ASA Council. The question is, “Can the Gorilla Gold product be left on the ground if the pitcher does not have a pocket to put it in?” The new rule is clear according to Rule 6 (Fast Pitch) Section 6 ….an approved drying agent may be used by the pitcher that is included in the list published by the ASA. The resin must be left on the ground and the approved drying agent in the pitcher pocket.” If there is no pocket the drying agent cannot be left on the ground and must be left in the dugout.
Rule 8 or Rule 6 FP: R1 is on 2B with 1 out. F1 delivers the ball that slips from the hand and is rolling towards HP. R1 decides to steal 3B and F2 steps out in front of the plate and retrieves the ball and throws out R1 at 3B. Ruling?
This play is a little vague so I will answer it in two ways. If the pitcher delivers a pitch that somewhat slips from the hand but still can be hit by the batter then Rule 8 Section1D [3] applies and as the rule states if the catcher steps on or in front of home plate without the ball and PREVENTS the batter from hitting the ball Effect: Dead ball, the batter is awarded first base and runners are advanced one base if forced. In this play R1 on 2B returns to 2B unless 1B was occupied
If the pitch cannot be hit because the ball slipped from the pitchers hand and the move by the catcher does not prevent the batter from hitting the ball then Rule 6 section 11 “If the ball slips from the pitcher’s hand during the delivery, a ball is called on the batter, the ball would remain live and the runner(s) may advance at their own risk” would apply and we would have a ball on the batter and all runners may advance at their own risk. In this play R1 would be out
Therefore in this play the key here is that the umpire has to determine if the pitch can still be hit by the batter and did the action of the catcher prevent the batter from hitting the ball, or did the pitch slip in such a way that it cannot be hit and apply the correct rule, Rule 8 or Rule 6