Windup

[BigUmp56]

I've been having a discussion with Bob Pariseau on the eteamz board about how a pitcher must properly disengage the rubber from the windup. I've alway thought that the rule was pretty clear that as soon as he disengages he must drop his hands to his sides. This is where I find that inferrence.

PBUC

SECTION 6- PITCHING REGULATIONS

6.1 WINDUP POSITION

If a pitcher holds the ball with both hands in front of his body, with his entire pivot foot on or in front of and touching but not off the end of the pitcher's plate and his other foot free, he will be considered in a windup position. From this position he may:

1. Deliver the ball to the batter or;
2. Step and throw to a base in an attempt to pick off a runner or;
3. Disengage the rubber (if he does he must drop his hands to his sides).


Now, what Bob is saying is that the proper interpretation is that the pitcher can disengage with his hands together and that his hands do not need to drop to his sides until he re-engages the rubber. Trouble is I can't seem to find what he says is the proper interpretation in the J/R, JEA, MLBUM, PBUC, or RIM.

Maybe I'm out of my mind on this one, but to me if a pitcher is allowed to disengage from the windup with his hands still together there is a huge element of deception there as this will look like his normal motion to pitch.

Am I overthinking this?


Tim.