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					Originally Posted by  NCASAUmp
					 
				 
				Someone brought this question up, and I'm not quite convinced of the answer that I got.  Thus, I throw the question out to you... 
 
 
 
I was told the proper mechanic for the PU would be to signal DDB and call "Illegal."  Then, kill the play with a "dead ball" signal (verbal and visual).  Then, step out and warn the pitcher. 
 
Why bother with the DDB signal?  If the effect is a dead ball, why not skip the DDB signal and go straight to "Dead ball!" instead? 
			
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 You were told wrong.  If you read the rule's effect, it says to call dead ball, not delayed dead ball.  Besides, if a pitcher did something illegal before touching the rubber, he can't really start a pitch after the illegal action.  Go straight to dead ball and do collect your game fee!