FED Pitcher's Pivot Foot Set Position

[njdevs00cup]

Does the pitcher's entire pivot foot have to be in contact with the rubber, not extending beyond the edges of the rubber?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

Does the pitcher's entire pivot foot have to be in contact with the rubber, not extending beyond the edges of the rubber?

No. Don't be a plumber.

[David B]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

Does the pitcher's entire pivot foot have to be in contact with the rubber, not extending beyond the edges of the rubber?

No, but is a good idea to keep them close just in case the other coach complains.

thanks
David

[njdevs00cup]

The reason I ask is that I had a right handed pitcher who would constantly change his pivot foot position on the pitching plate based upon whether the batter was right handed or left handed. He would move his pivot foot all the way to the right of the pitching plate when facing a right handed batter and all the way to the left when facing a left handed batter. When facing a right handed batter, only his heel was in contact and when facing a left handed battter, only his toes were in contact.

The base umpire and I were discussing this after the game. I thought I remembered reading in the case book that this was an illegal pitch or a balk with runners on. I may be mistaken and appreciate it if anyone could clear this up. Thank you.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

The reason I ask is that I had a right handed pitcher who would constantly change his pivot foot position on the pitching plate based upon whether the batter was right handed or left handed. He would move his pivot foot all the way to the right of the pitching plate when facing a right handed batter and all the way to the left when facing a left handed batter. When facing a right handed batter, only his heel was in contact and when facing a left handed battter, only his toes were in contact.

The base umpire and I were discussing this after the game. I thought I remembered reading in the case book that this was an illegal pitch or a balk with runners on. I may be mistaken and appreciate it if anyone could clear this up. Thank you.

By rule (6-1-3, 6.1.3A) the entire pivot foot must be directly in front of the rubber. IN practice, it's generally ignored, especially because of the poor condition of some HS mounds.

I would say that you have found one of the times the rule should be more strictly enforced.

[njdevs00cup]

Bob,

Thank you for this clarification. When discussing this with the base umpire, both of us were very surprised that the offensive team's manager did not comment on this during the game. You said this would be a situation to enforce the rule. Would you tell F1, F2 or the manager first and then call an illegal pitch (or balk) or would you make the call? Thank you.

Matt

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

Bob,

Thank you for this clarification. When discussing this with the base umpire, both of us were very surprised that the offensive team's manager did not comment on this during the game. You said this would be a situation to enforce the rule. Would you tell F1, F2 or the manager first and then call an illegal pitch (or balk) or would you make the call? Thank you.

Matt

I'd find a way to tell him to stay more in front of the rubber.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I would say that you have found one of the times the rule should be more strictly enforced.

Around here, in my experience, this is a booger one ought not to pick.

[David B]

Originally Posted by njdevs00cup

The reason I ask is that I had a right handed pitcher who would constantly change his pivot foot position on the pitching plate based upon whether the batter was right handed or left handed. He would move his pivot foot all the way to the right of the pitching plate when facing a right handed batter and all the way to the left when facing a left handed batter. When facing a right handed batter, only his heel was in contact and when facing a left handed battter, only his toes were in contact.

The base umpire and I were discussing this after the game. I thought I remembered reading in the case book that this was an illegal pitch or a balk with runners on. I may be mistaken and appreciate it if anyone could clear this up. Thank you.

As Bob said this is an extreme case and by rule he is required to be in contact with. We've generally made them keep most of the foot there. But I would never call an illegal pitch, I would just tell the coach between innings and let him fix it.

Thanks
David