taking signs off the rubber

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by the tax man

Sorry, beating a Dead horse but-Dixie Youth baseball wants to say that a pitcher taking signs of the rubber is a balk (with runners on). I would appreciate any rules under OBR that says that it is deceiving the runner & all thoughts on what y'all do to handle it. I disagree with the balk-am I wrong. Thanks

From the J/R:

Pitchers

a) must take signs from the catcher while in contact.
b) cannot habitually disengage the rubber after taking a sign,
c) upon disengaging, must separate their hands.

No penalty is mandated or suggested for violation of (a) through (c). Such action is simply prohibited.


It's a "don't do that" if anything at all. The intent of the rule is to prevent the pitcher from quick pitching, so unless he does it's not a balk.


Tim.