balk vs illegal pitch [FED]

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by scrounge

And 6-1-4 covers the aborted delivery situation. If you judge it as a dropped ball, then with no runners it's a nothing if it doesn't cross the foul lines.

I'm talking about an aborted delivery where the pitcher never releases the ball at all - a fairly common occurrence. I see it at least a few times each season.

[bluehair]

OC has put PU between a rock and a hard spot. The question becomes, do you want to risk having a rule violation protest uphold on your resume or make an OOO (by the book) call. Neither is desirable but you have to choose one.

I would risk of a rule protest uphold. I think it would be easier to explain than making the OOO call, it is righteous (IMO), and I don’t ever want to hear anyone tell the story about the time I called a ball in this situation. I want to hear the story about the time when I refused to be hood-winked into making an OOO call.

[CT1]

No runners? No delivery? Nuttin', honey.

[maven]

I'm happy to risk a protest. My state does not allow them.

The penalty for rule 6, articles 1, 2, and 3 states:

"The ball is dead immediately when an illegal pitch
occurs. If there is no runner, a ball is awarded the batter. If there is a runner,
such illegal act is a balk. In both situations, the umpire signals dead ball."

If F1 fails to release the ball, I'd rule no pitch: thus it cannot be an illegal pitch. If he does release the ball, 6-1-4 applies (ball if it crosses the foul line, otherwise no pitch).

[bluehair]

Originally Posted by maven

If F1 fails to release the ball, I'd rule no pitch: thus it cannot be an illegal pitch.

Interesting...so are you are saying that "it's nothing" IS a judgement call, not a rule violation ?

That might work on a coach, but I can't buy it. 6.1.2 ...With his feet in the wind-up position, the pitcher may only deliver a pitch or step back... And the penalty for violating 6.1.x has been stated.

I am going with "its nothing" also. But I'm doing so knowing that it's outside of the rules.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by maven

I'm happy to risk a protest. My state does not allow them.

Yup.