Signals off of rubber

[Warren Willson]

Originally posted by Roger Greene
I've got no problem with requiring F1 to take (or at least simulate taking) a signal after making contact with the pitcher's plate, but to limit the rule to only allow F1 to take signals there would be too radical for the modern game.

What about the signals from F2 on a R1 and R3 sitch? What about signals for coverage on the bunt? Or coverage at 2nd, or signals from F2 to scramble the pitch signals because of an R2, ect and so on? See, too many worms.

Roger Greene

As far as I can see the rule applies specifically to pitchers. That means your F2 is irrelevant.

My point is that after any dead ball you should require F1 to make contact with the rubber BEFORE taking his signs. Once the ball is put in play I don't care how many signs he takes or from whom. If he subsequently takes his signs from elsewhere, who cares. He has now become liable to be penalised for intentionally delaying the game under OBR 8.05(h). Until he takes the rubber I'm not going to allow a pitcher to dilly dally in the infield, taking signs from anywhere and everywhere he pleases.

Enforcing the rules, in accordance with their intent, ought to be what every umpire aspires to achieve. It is also good game management to keep the game flowing. Considered use of the rule on taking signs is an aid to that objective. I don't see that as opening any cans, worm-laden or otherwise. I also don't see it as over officiating the game, as others evidently do. It is simply ensuring that play proceeds quickly and properly as intended under the rules.

Cheers