Quick Pitch?

[Dave Hensley]

Sheesh. Some questionable advice upstream.

The batter does not enter the box with both feet "at his own risk." The umpire should not let a pitcher begin a pitching motion until the batter is in the box and ready, which as I interpret it means he is in the box, has assumed a stance and is looking at the pitcher.

In youth and sub-varsity scholastic levels, you will encounter pitchers with itchy triggers, as well as coaches who belief myths such as "if he's in the box he's fair game." Do not allow a dangerous quick pitch to be thrown. If the pitcher starts, call time loudly to stop the pitcher's motion, and then tell him "don't start your pitch until the batter is in the box and looking at you."

I have rarely had to say that more than once in a game.