Pitcher taking signals.

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by fitump56

There is no way that you can define "appearance".

Sure there is! If, in the umpire's judgment, the pitcher paused long enough (as if to get signs from the catcher), he satisfies the requirement.

In other words, the pitcher steps on the rubber, faces his catcher, then delivers the pitch. Fine!

After all, how do you define a "quick pitch?"

What is too quick? How can you categorically determine that the batter is NOT ready? These are all judgment calls.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN