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weren't sure if the action I described met the definition of a crow hop I wasn't expressing myself correctly
Wow! Look at all those words we wrote trying to get a correct definition! But its worth it, for Crow Hop discussions are always interesting and challenging.
So we all agree that the action you saw met the legal definition of an IP. But does it meet the umpire criteria? Does it violate the spirit of the rule? Is it easy to see and judge, or does it occur as one of many actions we are required to watch simultaneously?
IMO, the CH is the easiest call to make. It is very obvious when the pivot foot lifts up; you can see it from any direction on the field; it is at the very beginning of the pitching motion so we are not yet focused on the many other things we need to watch.
As you said, the lift is minor. Would I call it? Probably not. But I would say something to the coach. Id tell him that the pitcher needs to keep her foot down, and if its a repetitive action (happens every pitch) or gets worse that it will be called. And then call it.
The CH is not a minor infraction; it definitely gains the pitcher an advantage; an illegal advantage. The lifting of the foot indicates the pitcher is getting a greater weight shift backwards than she would if she were legal. That can translate into a more powerful and longer drive forward, thus putting her closer to home upon release of the ball, and increasing ball speed.
The problem with the minor foot lift is that if you let it go it can suddenly get worse. When the pitcher starts to tire a bit, or needs to reach back and really throw the hard one, then suddenly the foot raises 2 of 3. Now you call the IP or you dont call it! Either way, one side or the other is going to be on you.
Keeping the foot down is easy for a pitcher to correct; Id get it corrected at the beginning of the game so it doesnt come back and bite me later.
WMB
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