Baseball Myths and Conceptions

[David B]

Originally posted by Illini_Ref
The NFHS rules (Rule 6-1-1) states that the pitcher "shall take his sign from the catcher with his pivot foot in contact with the pitcher's plate" The penalty for violation of article 1 says that "The ball is dead immediately when an illegal pitch occurs. If there is no runner, a ball is awarded the batter. If there is a runner such illegal act is a BALK."

Seems to me that taking signs off the rubber IS a balk.

Wait a minute now. If states "when an illegal pitch occurs".

Simply taking the signs with the foot off the rubber is not an illegal pitch. Its a don't do that.

The purpose of the rule is to prevent the quick pitch.

So if the pitcher quick pitches then you have reason to make a call, but not simply by taking signs off the rubber.

I don't have my case book with me but I'm sure there is an example in there.

Thanks
David