|
Pitchers are not allowed to rub the ball in the dirt. However, the penalty (FED) is not warning/ejection, it is illegal pitch, ball on the batter. If done during warmups, (the rule says The pitcher shall not at any time...) I guess the first batter up starts with a 1-0 count.
Umpires, however, may rub up the ball, and I always do that with new game balls.
As to the "no adgantage" stuff, no offense, but - THAT DRIVES ME CRAZY.
If it offers no advantage, then there is no disadvantage to the pitcher to pitch with a legal motion. A leap is a leap.
Call it, unless it is a "developmental" league. Then instruct and help the pitcher understand what she is doing wrong.
If she is doing this on every pitch, then by all means call it as soon as you confirm what you think you saw. You're really not doing her any favors by allowing the illegal motion to continue.
If she is saving this for a little extra ummph in difficult situations, then by all means do not give her a break by waiting until there is no harm to her team in calling the illegal pitch. After all, the mere fact that she is only occasionally illegal when she needs it is evidence enough that she is gaining an advantage by using the little extra leap.
|