Gorilla Arm

[JJ]

The gorilla arm per se is not illegal in OBR, BUT...if the pitcher spins and throws without gaining ground it's a balk. But you knew that.
I only mention it because it was mentioned to me that sometimes a pitcher will have that arm hanging/swinging and the umpire will be so focused on that that he fails to observe the "gaining ground" issue.

JJ

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by JJ

The gorilla arm per se is not illegal in OBR, BUT...if the pitcher spins and throws without gaining ground it's a balk. But you knew that.
I only mention it because it was mentioned to me that sometimes a pitcher will have that arm hanging/swinging and the umpire will be so focused on that that he fails to observe the "gaining ground" issue.

Not sure why an OBR umpire would focus on something that is perfectly legal.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by JJ

The gorilla arm per se is not illegal in OBR, BUT...if the pitcher spins and throws without gaining ground it's a balk. But you knew that.
I only mention it because it was mentioned to me that sometimes a pitcher will have that arm hanging/swinging and the umpire will be so focused on that that he fails to observe the "gaining ground" issue.

JJ

Actually the wording is the same in OBR pertaining to the hand, and arm to the back or side. It's just not enforced the same.

If they enforced everything to the letter, Mike Mussina balked everytime from the set position.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by steven tyler

if they enforced everything to the letter, mike mussina balked everytime from the set position.

+1

jj

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

Actually the wording is the same in OBR pertaining to the hand, and arm to the back or side. It's just not enforced the same.

If they enforced everything to the letter, Mike Mussina balked everytime from the set position.

I believe the wording is different. OBR says one hand at his side. It doesn't say which one.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by umpjim

I believe the wording is different. OBR says one hand at his side. It doesn't say which one.

Well, the wording is at least close enough for horse shoes or hand grenades. Does the wording mention the pitching hand? I think we're splitting hairs just a little too fine on this one.