[JRutledge]

I was working a college series this weekend and we had a little situation the first game of that series. I was working the plate and after the first or second batter was at the plate, the head coach who was standing in the 3rd base coaching box starts complaining about the motion of the picture. His contention was the pitcher was doing a softball move which is typically called a “crow hop.” It was really hard to see that from my position from behind the plate and his motion was goofy, but nothing illegal from my judgment. I looked closely at the motion during warm-ups and I had a much better look from the side. Also this pitcher had pitched 3 or 4 times before and to my knowledge no one said anything back then. But this conference is spread out over about 4 states, so it is possible this was an issue but was not reported.

The pitcher was coming off the plate as he pushed off the rubber, but kind of dragged his foot as his arm was coming forward to pitch. He never replanted or took a full step after leaving the rubber. It is really hard to describe, but his motion was funny and had a natural hitch in his motion that was consistent the entire game. He did not do this some of the time, he did it all of the time.

This was such an issue, the coaches of the opposing team came to us before our game on Sunday and talked about what the rule was. The problem is there is no rule that supports this was illegal that I can find. All the rules says is they must keep their foot on the rubber as they push off or start their motion to pitch. It does not say they must stay on the rubber at all times no matter what or they commit a illegal pitch.

For the record there was no protest to the game other than the little complaining before the 3rd game. There was even a fan that confronted my partner outside of our locker room about the issue.

So can anyone show me a rule where it says this is illegal in any way?

Peace