Do You Start the Clock Here?

[Manny A]

Situation: Runner on first base, no outs, close game. Batter strokes a single, so now we have runners at first and third. Ball is returned to the pitcher.

As the batter gets into the box, the catcher looks over to her dugout, presumably to get a signal regarding what will happen if R1 (or R2 if you use the other convention) attempts to steal second base. She then steps forward of home plate to provide her signal to the infielders to let them know the play they'll run on the steal attempt. Then the catcher returns to her position in the catcher's box.

As the PU, do you start the 10-second (NCAA) or 20-second (NFHS) "clock" in your head the moment the pitcher has the ball? Or do you allow for the catcher to receive and give her signals before starting it?

[MT 73]

Personally I would wait until the catcher is ready to receive the pitch after giving her signals.
Let the kids play.

[MD Longhorn]

NCAA:

"The pitcher must be on the pitcher's plate, the catcher in the catcher's box and the batter in the batter's box within 10 seconds after the pitcher receives the ball.."

That's half of it.

"AFTER the pitcher, catcher and batter are in position, the pitcher has 10 seconds to bring her hands together. The pitcher then has not more than five seconds to deliver the pitch."