[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by kheisner

I need advice as a coach/new umpire.

In a recent game the opposing pitcher was taking the throw back from the catcher with his pivot foot on the pitcher's plate and immediately going into his set position....quickly taking the sign and delivering the next pitch. We complained but got no relief. Batters would have their hand up when stepping into the batters box and pitcher would start delivery before he could get both hands on his bat.

I was the 3rd base coach and my batters had no time to get any signs. The umpire somewhat tried to slow him down, but he gave up as the pitcher continued to do this the whole game. Many times our batters were not ready for the pitch. Several times he was set when a new batter approached the plate and started delivery as soon as he stepped in the box.

1. How do I handle this situation as a coach?

2. How do I handle this situation as an umpire? What are the any rules that address this situation?

Rule 8.05(e) Comment: A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted.