Quote:
Originally Posted by frozenrope22
Pitcher was taking signs while straddling the rubber but umpire didn't call balk. Between innings I questioned umpire on this point and he stated that it is only a balk if there are runners on base. Later when runners were on base he did call a balk when the pitcher took his signs while not on the rubber. I can only find in the rule book that it is a balk when pitcher takes his signs while not on a rubber. It doesn't specify with or without baserunners. Playing 13U USSSA / high school rules. Is this correct ruling?
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Others have already said it, but this is not a balk. The umpire should simply tell the pitcher to toe the rubber and go from there. He doesn't have to take signs, many 13yr olds don't even have F2 give signs.
Many of the leagues don't allow curves etc., so F2 knows it all fast ball.
But as long as F1 is not stepping on the rubber and pitching, a quick pitch, he is fine.
Too many coaches, AND umpires, make way too much of a deal over nothing.
My son is playing this age group now and every week I'm amazed at what is called at our games and told to our players that's the rule!!!!!
Thanks
David