[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

If the pitcher is not in contact with the pitcher's rubber, the pitcher may go to the mouth while in the dirt area, ; however the pitcher must wipe off the fingers before pitching.

I heard that OBR has changed to be the same (no longer is F1 rewquired to be off the dirt).

I still show the OBR rule to be as follows:

OBR 8.02 The pitcher shall not—
(a) (1) Bring his pitching hand in contact with his mouth or lips while in the 18 foot circle surrounding the pitching rubber.
EXCEPTION: Provided it is agreed to by both managers, the umpire prior to the start of a game played in cold weather, may permit the pitcher to blow on his hand.
PENALTY: For violation of this part of this rule the umpires shall immediately call a ball. However, if the pitch is made and a batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a hit batsman or otherwise, and no other runner is put out before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed without reference to the violation. Repeated offenders shall be subject to a fine by the league president.