Balk?

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by umpjong

I think you are looking for boogers. (or splitting hairs)

The intent of the rule is to keep the pitcher from quick pitching. How many pitchers only throw one pitch and get no signs from the catcher? As long as he gives the batter ample time, its well within the intent of the rule.

Just batters?

Runners also need ample time and are generally taught not to leave the bag until the pitcher's on the rubber.

It's deceiving and it's against the rules for more than one reason.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Just batters?

Runners also need ample time and are generally taught not to leave the bag until the pitcher's on the rubber.

It's deceiving and it's against the rules for more than one reason.

Runners are (should be) coached that the can start their lead as soon as the pitcher is on or astride the rubber - because it's a balk if he doesn't have the ball. Even if he quick-pitches, the runners willl still have their lead established.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Runners are (should be) coached that the can start their lead as soon as the pitcher is on or astride the rubber - because it's a balk if he doesn't have the ball. Even if he quick-pitches, the runners willl still have their lead established.

Ooohhhh ...

I learn so much about baseball coaching here.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Ooohhhh ...

I learn so much about baseball coaching here.

Maybe you need it.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Maybe you need it.

Oh, I'll bet that hurt. He may never recover.

What wit.

Did you spend a lot of time working on that "zinger" or do you subscribe to some coaches' service that provides such provocative and scorching comments?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

I have NEVER said that there is no such rule. What I have said is: It DOES NOT matter if F1 DOES or DOES NOT take signs from F2 while not in contact with the pitcher's plate, BUT F1, at some point after making contact with the pitcher's plate, must take or simulate taking signs from F2 before he can legally pitch to the batter. If he DOES NOT, after making contact with the pitcher's plate, take or simulate taking signs from F2 before he pitches the ball to the batter, then he has violated a requirement of NFHS Rule 6."

MTD, Sr.

[GA Umpire]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

I have NEVER said that there is no such rule. What I have said is: It DOES NOT matter if F1 DOES or DOES NOT take signs from F2 while not in contact with the pitcher's plate, BUT F1, at some point after making contact with the pitcher's plate, must take or simulate taking signs from F2 before he can legally pitch to the batter. If he DOES NOT, after making contact with the pitcher's plate, take or simulate taking signs from F2 before he pitches the ball to the batter, then he has violated a requirement of NFHS Rule 6."

MTD, Sr.

I have a question. Since I do not do Fed ball, what does the rule say which covers the part about "he must take or simulate to take signs from the catcher"?

As long as the pitcher doesn't quick pitch, then he should be OK to not simulate taking signs. For instance, LHP stands astride rubber looking at 1B. Batter steps in with plenty of time to get ready. F1 checks batter and F2 to make sure they are in place. He steps on the rubber while looking at 1B still and comes set still looking. Then, pitches the ball. Since he never looked at F2 for a sign, a balk is called on him for this?

So in Fed, it is a balk while in OBR(and possibly NCAA) it is legal? Interesting and another good reason why I don't like Fed rules.

[David B]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

I have NEVER said that there is no such rule. What I have said is: It DOES NOT matter if F1 DOES or DOES NOT take signs from F2 while not in contact with the pitcher's plate, BUT F1, at some point after making contact with the pitcher's plate, must take or simulate taking signs from F2 before he can legally pitch to the batter. If he DOES NOT, after making contact with the pitcher's plate, take or simulate taking signs from F2 before he pitches the ball to the batter, then he has violated a requirement of NFHS Rule 6."

MTD, Sr.

Mark, that is not the intent of the rule. He does not HAVE to take signs at all. Remember Jim Katt, he made a living with the "almost quick pitch".
I think that's what you are saying, but it was not very clear to me.

The majority of small ball players don't take signs either. They just get on the mound and pitch.

As long as they are not in the umpires judgement making a quick pitch all is well. If F1 in the umpires judgement delivers a quick pitch, then the umpire has to take further action.

PU has the responsibility to protect the batter in this situation.
But if the batter is ready, F1 toes the rubber (with a little bit of a pause) and then pitches, he has violated no rules.

Thanks
David

[GA Umpire]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Ooohhhh ...

I learn so much about baseball coaching here.

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Maybe you need it.

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Oh, I'll bet that hurt. He may never recover.

What wit.

Did you spend a lot of time working on that "zinger" or do you subscribe to some coaches' service that provides such provocative and scorching comments?

This just went from an interesting discussion to nothing real quick.