Pitcher uses Gorilla Arm

[bob jenkins]

Specifically illegal in FED. It was in the interps a few years ago, and is covered in the S&I now. That said, it's frequently ignored.

Allowed in OBR and NCAA

[DG]

I believe it was in the 2005 Interps, but I am having a problem putting my hands on it. It is covered in the 2006 BRD, item 364. It was not mentioned in the 2005 BRD.

"OFF INTERP 254-364: Hopkins: The gorilla stance is not legal."

"R1: F1 leans forward, peering in for his sign. His pitching hand swings slowly in front of his body. Ruling: Balk (Website 2005, #5)"

I have never seen it called.

[johnnyg08]

I had it today...2 different teams, 2 different pitchers (obviously)...but I haven't that damn stance in FED ball in years! I tried to talk to the coaches in an attempt to be preventative and also told them to not be surprised if their pitcher is called for a balk somewhere along the line...It's just really tough for me to call cheap balks with the defense not specifically gaining an advantage...thanks guys...I can't find an interpretation on this either...

[bob jenkins]

FED 2005 Interps, Situation 5: While in the set position, F1 has his pitching hand down in front of his body, swinging slowly as he gets the sign from the catcher. RULING: The use of this "gorilla" stance in the set position is illegal. A pitcher, from the set position, shall have his pitching hand down at his side or behind his back. (6-1-3)

[blueump]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

FED 2005 Interps, Situation 5: While in the set position, F1 has his pitching hand down in front of his body, swinging slowly as he gets the sign from the catcher. RULING: The use of this "gorilla" stance in the set position is illegal. A pitcher, from the set position, shall have his pitching hand down at his side or behind his back. (6-1-3)

Yup, its illegal, and thus a balk. I call it every time I see it. No warnings needed. Call it, and they'll fix it.

If you don't call it, they'll want warnings for EVERYTHING!

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by blueump

Yup, its illegal, and thus a balk. I call it every time I see it. No warnings needed. Call it, and they'll fix it.

If you don't call it, they'll want warnings for EVERYTHING!

I think this is a really, really technical balk. I would rather tell a pitcher to knock it off and have the catcher relay the information. If there is some clear deceit the first time, I have no problem in calling this. Once again what you consider a balk is also judgment. A lot of umpires want to call anything not perfect according to the rules.

Peace

[PeteBooth]

Hi Bob:

Perhaps you can "shed some light" on the aforementioned as IMO as i already mentioned the "gorilla arm" enforcement is similiar to the old FED rule on checking a runner.

FED obviously changed the "checking of a runner" ruling but my question is

Why did FED change the ruling on checking a runner? Did something happen in a State Championship game or some other "big" type game? or was it simply a matter of many coaches lodging numerous complaints?

It's my gut that the same will become of the "gorilla arm" enforcement

Thanks

Pete Booth

[WhiteHat Ref]

In the first game of a doubleheader, I had a pitcher using the gorilla arm. I warned him twice, then the third time I balked him. The coaches saw that I was telling him about the gorilla arm, and in fact the pitching coach was going to come and tell his player about that being illegal, and the pitcher said to his coach that he knew what he is doing wrong. But three times is a charm and I balked him. Between, innings the first base coach thanked me for telling his pitcher not to do this before I balked him. My reply to him was do you know what that is, and the coach replied "stupidity on the part of my pitcher".