Quote:
Originally Posted by Andy
The rule does state that the hands must come together for between one and ten seconds as Manny stated, but the interpretation has always been that as long as the hands touch, even if it is during the windup, the requirement is met.
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Manny A
Not that I don't believe you, but if that's the accepted interpretation, then as I mentioned before, the rule and rule supplement in the book needs to be changed.
I don't remember that interpretation in any clinics I've attended. Of course, my memory is following the same route as the hair on top of my head...
|
What Andy is stated is true, has been for more than twenty years, just a simple touch. However, it should be noted that there is no requirement for a stop or pause with the hands together.
I would assume the interpretation to a touch being considered one second was because what you think is one second, what Andy thinks is one second and what I think is one second, may be three different things and this would probably cause more havoc than it is worth and would not be helpful for the game or its flow.
But let's look @ 6.1.E and RS #40.c. They do not read the same.
The rule states that the pitcher must bring the hands together not less than one second or more than ten seconds before releasing the ball.
That could be read that the pitcher has to bring her hands together not less than one second prior to releasing the ball, but must release within ten seconds after bringing them together.
The RS does state that the hands must be kept together for at least one second, but not more than ten.
And if you think about it, is there any good purpose of having a minimum time? The pitcher has already paused on the PP with the hands separated to alert the batter that the pitch will be coming shortly. Well, there isn't until someone catches on that there is no requirement to come together immediately out of the pause.