Most rule calls??????

[bossman72]

Originally Posted by lawump

There was a big discussion among the bigwigs in our state (I'm not one of them...but I was subsequently asked for my opinion by one of the bigwigs) about the following:

NFHS Rules apply: R1 and 0, 1 or 2 outs.

What is the penalty for a pitcher, who while in contact with the rubber in the stretch position but prior to coming set (that is, for example, he's looking in to get the signs from the catcher) goes to his mouth with his non-glove hand?

What is the penalty: ball or balk?

I'll tell you what I concluded later. But from what I understand this became a very heated discussion between the different regional booking secretaries and the statewide league office. The statewide league office issued a directive as to what the penalty will be in our state...but a number of people don't agree with it.

Balk since in FED, doing any movements that aren't related to throwing/pitching/coming set are balks (such as adjusting your cap or shaking the signs off with your glove).

Had he gone to his mouth, stepped on the rubber, and delivered a pitch, it would be an illegal pitch and a balk.


However, i think the new rule for 2007 states that it's a ball no matter what now, although i'm not sure about this by any means.