Pitcher - backward set position

[eureka25]

I have a question around ruling on a pitcher coming to a set position. Here is the situation... We have a R1 and a RH pitcher. Pitcher is straddling the rubber. He takes his pivot foot and engages the rubber as he simultaneously comes to his set position. He is set for one second and then delivers his pitch to the plate.

I see it this way and need help...I see in OBR that the pitcher must take his signs from being on the rubber. So now the argument comes is that there are no signs - no infraction(?). What rule am I missing here, because I see this as a definite occurrence of deceiving the runner/batter. It must be a balk. OBR help please.

Thanks,
Jeff

[TwoBits]

The pitcher must either take the signs from on the rubber or "simulate" taking a sign. That might be the FED terminology, but the purpose remains the same: To keep the pitcher from quick-pitching.

But I'm curious as to the answer from the more experienced members of this board. Taking signs off the rubber in OBR is not penalized a balk, its just a "don't do that". Assuming the pitcher contacting the rubber before bringing the hands together, what, as an umpire, do you do?

[mcrowder]

Sounds like a balk for a quick-pitch to me... but I'd have to be there.

[johnnyg08]

If you're doing to micromanage your baseball game it could be considered a balk...that being said, I would never call a balk in this sitch...100% won't agree w/ me on this...but that is reality...don't micromanage your games with being "tic-tack" on rules that disrupt the flow of the game. I would ask the catcher to go tell the pitcher to take his signs on the rubber/get set on the rubber/whatever.

[Jerry]

For Eureka 25:

In OBR, the pitcher may start with his hands together and his pivot foot on the rubber. To rule a balk or illegal pitch, you'd have to make a judgement if he took "enough" time remaining in that position before delivering the pitch. If one second, in your opinion, is sufficient, you've got nothing.

As for taking signs from the catcher while in contact with the rubber, no where in any rule book does it define "sign". The fact that the catcher holds his mitt in a particular spot or otherwise indicates where the pitch should be thrown, constitutes a sign. All the rule intends is that the pitcher does something before simply delivering the pitch.

And actually, in OBR it's not just a "don't do that". (taking signs from off the rubber). It's more of a case of "do that" . . . the pitcher should be instructed to take his signs while on the rubber. A pitcher can take signs from anyone and anywhere, including from his Aunt Nellie in Hoboken, when he's not on the rubber; just so long as he takes one from the catcher while in contact with it.

Jerry

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by Jerry

For Eureka 25:

In OBR, the pitcher may start with his hands together and his pivot foot on the rubber. ...
Jerry

Jerry,

Perhaps I'm misunderstanding you, but, no, he may not.

From OBR 8.01(b):

...Preparatory to coming to a set position, the pitcher shall have one hand on his side; from this position he shall go to his set position as defined in Rule 8.01(b) without interruption and in one continuous motion. ...

He can't start with his hands together. Not a balk - just a "don't do that".

FWIW, I agree with the rest of what you said.

JM

[eureka25]

I wouldn't deem it as a quick pitch if he actually comes set. Let's assume he comes set for three seconds. My issue is with the fundamentals of getting to the set position from off the rubber. It seems like something to deceive, but I don't know how to rule.