One from the mound?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by ctblu40

The way I always think of this is that the pitcher is legally "in contact" unless he steps off as per "8.01 (e) If the pitcher removes his pivot foot from contact with the pitcher’s plate by stepping backward with that foot, he thereby becomes an infielder..."

In other words, this is the way the rules describe how a pitcher disengages. Any other move and he's still in contact.

But then what's your call if he steps off with the free foot and throws it out of play? (OBR, naturally.) Was he in contact of not?

[sargee7]

Originally Posted by mbyron

But then what's your call if he steps off with the free foot and throws it out of play? (OBR, naturally.) Was he in contact of not?

If he hasn't stepped off with the pivot foot then he hasn't stepped off.