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Originally Posted by jimpiano
The question referred to a dead ball, i.e hitting the ground before the plate,,,,This is not an illegal pitch or a delayed dead ball and requires no signal, verbal or visual, unless there is stealing.
On an illegal pitch the umpire can declare it at anytime the umpire determines it is illegal,,,even if this means when it has become dead by being caught by the catcher.
Everyone on the field can whine ....but it changes nothing.
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Well, actually
the OP offered the possibility the ball hitting the ground in front of the plate as an IP. The first response separated the IP from dead ball. However, the recent responses were to Tom who stated he gives a DB signal on an IP. We were just seeking clarification to avoid confusion for any non-veteran umpire.
However, there is a prescribe mechanic for a ball hitting the plate or ground in front of the plate or the batter which is described on page 225 of umpire manual section of the 2007 ASA Umpire Edition of the rules book.
It is a good mechanic to use for all SP games whether stealing is being allowed or not. For years, umpires have been pointing to the plate, pounding their fists or making some other type of silly looking signal to indicate to the pitcher that the ball hit the plate. ASA has now provided a standard mechanic for this occurence and I see no reason why it should not be utilized when applicable.