2010 Fed Baseball

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by cookie

Thanks UmpJim for refreshing my memory.

I'm on the website now, and though not specifically stated as the "gorilla arm", moreso described as the hanging arm, it is mentioned in the 2010 Case Book (6.1.3P), not as I had "misremembered" it as the Rule book. The CB play is asterisked, indicating it has been entered as new this year.

Here it is:

*6.1.3 Situation P: With a runner on first, Team A right-handed pitcher is in the set position, bent at the waist and his pitching arm naturally hangs down slightly in front or to the side away from his body. As he looks to the catcher for a signal, a) the pitcher's arm is stationary or b) the pitching arm rocks slightly from side to side. RULING: In a), the position of the arm is natural and can be considered by his side in meeting the rule. Any movement would then start the pitch. In b), any movement of the arm is considered the start of the pitching motion and a pitch must be delivered to the plate so this motion results in a balk.

Stupid, and it's not even correct. B (the arm rocking slightly from side to side) doesn't commit him to pitch, it just commits him to complete his stretch. He can still step off or throw to a base. At least it makes it easier for me to not call stupid balks for violating a stupid rule.