[Bagman62]

Similar situation with the "Drag Trench" about 3 feet long and from " to 8" deep, both coaches complaining that I should call IP. If the pitching plate were on level ground with out the "Drag Trench" both pitchers would be legal.

In this case I looked for the toe pointing down, the toe even where the ground would be had the Trench not existed, the foot not replanted and the foot maintaining contact with the pitching plate until the drag motion starts.

I feel at times we must use common sense and judgement, if the pitch was legal in the top of the first inning and in the 6th inning there is a trench (crater)and the pitching mechanics are the same as the first inning I am not going to call IP.