[soonerfan]

Originally posted by Bfair
In OBR, it is legal to move both arms up and reset in front of the body in the windup. In my games, I'll balk any pitcher stepping back with his pivot foot while those arms are in motion upward and before resetting. He technically has started his windup until taking advantage of the allowable "reset". After being reset, I'll then allow him to properly disengage if he cares to before any further arm motion.

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It's technically illegal in Fed since both arms are moving up in front of his body at the same time. He has technically started his windup and must continue or else it would be an illegal pitch (ball) with no runners on base, and a balk with runners on base.

I've seen it often, never called it, never seen it called in my game, and never seen it called in anyone else's game. Maybe it's different in a different part of the country, but around here it would likely be considered booger pickin' and a sure ticket downward.

It appears this "FED" interpretation of the windup is treated is no differently than some other minor changes they've made from OBR. I've yet to see anyone declare a ball on a batter for a pitcher starting but abandoning an effort to start a pitch when no runners are on base---or for dropping a ball with no runners on base.

Just a quick note, it has been told to me that if a ball were to be dropped with no one on base, it must cross the plate or a fould line to be considered a pitched ball. If not...just oops and quick laugh. My source was an umpire camp here in OK that featured a number of BIG XII and professional umpires, plus the BIG XII and Missouri Valley Supervisor of Umpires.

IMO, the Fed needs to review some of their more nitpicky interpretations to bring them back to reality of what is really being called in the field.

I have little reason to believe this area of the country is any different than other areas of the country.


Just my opinion,

Freix