Taking signs off the Rubber

[Carl Childress]

Originally posted by orioles35
The intent of the rule about taking signs off the rubber is to prevent a pitcher from doing so, quickly stepping on the rubber, coming set and throwing a pitch. Doing so does not allow any runners from being able to get their leads. It is NOT a balk. Rule book says to warn the pitcher, then if he continues to do so, eject him. I have yet to eject a pitcher for this, however I have called time and asked the pitcher to take his signals from the rubber and notified the coach of what was happening. 99/100 the pitcher just doesn't know what he's doing, but that one other time...

I'm sorry, but the intent was not to prevent a quick pitch. The intent was to prevent delay. Of course, it is technically a ball/balk in FED and NCAA. Only in OBR is it a "Don't do that."

BTW: The OBR rule book says nothing about giving a warning. Here's the entire material dealing with taking signs off the rubber: "Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while standing on the rubber." (8.01) Your idea that the regulation prevents pitchers from quick pitching is relevant only after the pitcher disengages the rubber after taking his signs: "Pitchers may disengage the rubber after taking their signs but may not step quickly onto the rubber and pitch. This may be judged a quick pitch by the umpire."