Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.
F1 taking signs from anybody while not in contact with the pitcher's plate is NOT a "don't do that" because it is not illegal. It is ILLEGAL for a pitcher to NOT take or simulate taking a signal from F2 while in contact with the pitcher's plate.
MTD, Sr.
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In baseball, it is not illegal for F1 to not take (or simulate) to take signs from F2. What is the exact wording and where can I find that rule at?
The rule is he shouldn't take signs from F2 while straddling the rubber to prevent a quick pitch. But, if he isn't quick pitching, then it is nothing. It is just a "Don't do that" issue to prevent a quick pitch. It is not a balk. It is nothing more than "Don't do that or you may be ejected" to prevent the quick pitch which is illegal. There is no penalty for not taking signs from F2. He doesn't have to simulate it in any manner.
Again, F1 steps on the rubber looking at 1B. He comes set still looking at 1B. He pitches to F2 while never looking at him prior to the pitch. Completely LEGAL and he did not look or simulate looking at F2. No balk and not even a "Don't do that" b/c he doesn't have to look at F2 for signs. Nothing says signs have to be given on pitches. That is just a way for F1 and F2 to know what is being thrown.
I can't believe anyone would even consider balking F1 for not looking at F2 for signs. Nothing about giving signs from F2 is in any rule book. That is a made up rule at its worst.