Pitcher taking signals.

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Before assuming Set Position, the pitcher may elect to make any natural preliminary motion such as that known as “the stretch.” But if he so elects, he shall come to Set Position before delivering the ball to the batter.

Are you saying there are a great number of umpires who do not recognize the stretch as part of a pitchers motion to pitch? If the pitching regulations begin only when the pitcher is engaged on the rubber, the constraints found in article 5 are worthless. I'll argue till I'm blue in the face that the pitching regulations must begin before the pitcher toes the rubber. Otherwise, straddling the rubber without the ball could never be called a balk.


Tim.

I agree, Tim.

The regulations certainly do begin before the pitcher engages the rubber. There are three balks that can be committed by the pitcher that have nothing to do with his being in contact with the rubber. And, another infraction that can occur before the pitcher ever engages the rubber.

8.05(g) It is a balk if ... "the pitcher makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch while he is not touching the pitcher’s plate."

8.05(h) It is a balk if ... "the pitcher unnecessarily delays the game." (no requirement to be engaged with the rubber.)

8.05(i) It is a balk if ... "the pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher’s plate or while off the plate, he feints a pitch."

Also ...

8.04 "When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call 'Ball'."

8.04 isn't a balk, but it is a pitching violation that has absolutely nothing with the pitcher being engaged with the rubber.

The pitching regulations certainly do begin before rubber engagement.

The FED rulebook makes a comment about pitching regulations beginning at rubber engagement and then goes on to list several infractions that do not involve rubber engagement.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN