Warm-up Pitches
 

NCAA rule set.
In a game yesterday the home team was up by 7-0 going to the top of the 7th. The starting pitcher (#11) comes out and throws 2 warm-up pitches then the head coach substitutes(#24) for the right fielder(#13) then makes a defensive switched right fielder(#24) to pitcher, pitcher to RF. Now #24 throws 5 warm-up pitches. Do we have anything?

Does this apply?
10-19-3 A player other than the pitcher of record throws a warm-up pitch.

EFFECT—For a first violation, the umpire shall issue a warning to the offending coach. Subsequent violation by the same team shall result in ejection of the head coach.

Later (the same inning) they switch back #11 to pitcher (we gave her 3 warm-up pitches.)

The rule you are looking for is 8.5.2. The pitcher is legally in the game as the pitcher of record after the substitute is reported, and she throws either (1) a warm-up pitch; or (2) a pitch to the first batter if she is not entitled to warmup pitches.

In my opinion, #11 became the pitcher of record for that inning with the first warmup. (8.5.2.1 allows us to remove a pitcher from the position without the requirement to actually throw a pitch or face a batter.) #24 is a legal replacement since she was legally reported before she threw pitches, and gets 5 warmups. (8.5.2.2) When #11 returned to pitch in the same inning, she should not have been granted any warmup pitches. (8.5.2.3)

Thanks that seems sound.

Further information from an email from Vicki.



This pitcher has not pitched in this half inning, so she would get her warm-up pitches.

Vickie


Vickie,
I would like to get clarification on a situation that we had in a game this past week.

Bottom of the 7th pitcher of record throws 2 warm-up pitches. Defensive coach has a substitution, the substitute comes in to pitch and the pitcher of record goes to play defense in right field. After a number of batters the defensive coach calls time and brings the right fielder (previous pitcher) back in to pitch. Is the returning pitcher allowed any warm up pitches when she returns to pitch?

We have looked at rule 8.5.2 but still wasn't sure since she hadn't actually pitched to a batter. Thanks for your time.



Vickie Van Kleeck
NCAA Softball Secretary Rules Editor

Thanks for the followup from Vicki, Scooby.

Since we talked about this...I had it happen yesterday. Substitute is entered to pitch in the 5th inning. She throws 2 warmup pitches, and on the second, misjudges the return throw from the catcher and is hit in the head with the ball. The trainer deems she needs to receive treatment and cannot play at this time.

The original pitcher re-entered, took 5 warmup pitches, and finished the game.