When does an leegal pitch BECOME and illegal pitch.

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by blueump
Is taking the signs without being on the rubber a balk, illegal pitch, or just another "don't do that"?

If I read correctly, the balks are listed under 6-2-4. That says nothing about taking signs from off the rubber. The illegal pitches have to be delivered??? (I think) Sooooo, from my interpretation, this is another "don't do that".

With all that said, and after looking at each of these rules closely, now I'm really confused!

To be honest, I've been calling it differently. Before today I've interpreted the rulebook as: violations of Art 1-3 (Rule 6-1) were all illegal pitches (whether delivered or not) and were balks (with runners on base) and a ball (with no runners on).

Was I right then, or now?????

Where's my MOMMY?????

An "Illegal Pitch" in FED does not have to be delivered. It's specifically defined in 2-18 as "an illegal act commited by the pitcher."

An Illegal Pitch with runners on base is one type of balk -- see 6-2-4c.

In FED, taking the singns while not on the rubber is an Illegal Pitch -- ball if no runners, balk if runners. Enforce it as appropriate in your area.