Is the ball dead?

[GarthB]

Patrick: "2. This is a "quick return pitch", and thus a balk/illegal pitch in all codes. A "quick return pitch" is any pitch that begins before the batter is reasonably ready (OBR 8.05e). My fault for not explaining this better to the board."

______________

(Sigh)

[Bfair]

Similar thoughts, Garth...........

Still, I'm watching for F1 continuing an unnecessary delivery.
There have been a few issues around town of smarta$$ F1's continuing with a pitch toward the batter immediately after time has been called---mostly at the HS and college age games.
HBP with a dead ball? While it's difficult to penalize, it's something to watch for. I don't know if that's a local thing, but it's something that I haven't been aware of in the past.

So, what do you do when F1 delivers the pitch toward the outside of the box toward the batter backing out? I've seen wild pitches there, and many coaches teach their pitchers to always continue their delivery. Is this just another "wild pitch" caused by the altered timing of the release?


Freix

[GarthB]

Steve:

This is why we get paid the big bucks, I guess. We have here yet another instance of the umpire devining the intent of a player.

First time, I'm speaking to F1...calmly, no accustion, just a statement that any repetition of this behavior this entire season will be read as throwing at or near the batter. (Fed)

Second occurence, F1 is gone, dead ball or not. Most likely a coach goes with him. Safety and protection of the players takes priority over rule semantics and intent fudging. Always.