Quote:
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Originally Posted by CNP
situation is---in a case of a fastpitch pitcher who is standing on the rubber ready to pitch as the batter steps into the box and pitches the ball the instant the batter steps into the box without allowing the batter to get set- according to the general concensus of the fastpitch rules this is legal. She has been taught to do this by her parents.
Question 1 ---What should an umpire do about this, if anything?
2 -- Is holding up your hand as you step into the batters box considered a time out and does holding up her hand to the umpire stop this type of action by a pitcher.
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Interesting consensus. I guess they didn't read this:
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ASA Rule 6 (Fast pitch)
Section 10. NO PITCH.
No pitch shall be declared when:
B. The pitcher attempts a quick return of the ball before the batter has taken a position in the batter’s box or when the batter is off balance.
EFFECT - Section 10 A-E: The ball is dead, and all subsequent action on that pitch is canceled.
NFHS Rule 6
SECTION 2 INFRACTIONS BY PITCHER (F.P.)
ART. 4 . . . No pitch shall be declared when:
b. the pitcher attempts a quick return of the ball before the batter has taken position or is off balance as a result of a previous pitch.
PENALTY: (Art. 4a through d) The ball is dead immediately and all subsequent action on that pitch is canceled.
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What should the umpire do? Declare a dead ball, no pitch, just like the rule book says.
Although you didn't say, I would also have my doubts such a pitcher is properly taking (or simulating taking) her signals, and that is an illegal pitch. My doubts are based on the fact that her pitching mechanics seem to be focused on catching the batter off guard as her primary goal.