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Originally Posted by bob jenkins
This rule change was made so the rule matched what was being called. IOW, it hasn't been a problem before at the pro (or at least MLB) level. If the shoulders are (generally) facing the plate, F1 is in the wind-up. IF the shoulders are (generally) facing 1st or 3rd, F1 is in the set. The rest of the motion is also (again, general) different -- rocker step or not, hands above the head or not, etc.
That said, the NCAA made a change last year(?) in the opposite direction to avoid some of the confusion.
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I realize that the free foot location has been customarily ignored at the professional level even though it was frequently, technically, illegal.
Pitchers generally adopt a routine and consistency that makes fine discernments unnecessary; UNTIL, someday comes along a pitcher that adopts a style that makes the two motions very similar and, in addition, he frequently alters his delivery such that no consistency is established. Now the umpire will have no basis for the pitchers "usual" habit.
IOW, he positions himself on the rubber the same way every time. Sometimes he winds-up from that position (i.e. brings his hands together and continues his delivery) and sometimes he comes set from that position (i.e. brings his hands together and pauses).
Now the letter-of-the-law makes this LEGAL and it would only be by a
newly established custom that this would be ruled a balk. So, in effect, we will have gone from
one custom (allowing free reign with the free foot although the rules don't permit it) to a
new custom (not allowing free reign with the free foot although the rules allow it.)
Previously, if a pitcher's intent (wind-up or set) was established by the alignment of his shoulders, then the MLB rulemakers should have taken the time to change the following terminology:
The Set Position. Set Position shall be indicated by the pitcher when he stands facing the batter with his pivot foot in contact with, and his other foot in front of, the pitcher’s plate, holding the ball in both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete stop.
I've always thought that wording odd since no pitcher "faces" the batter while in the set position.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN