tack cloth-pitcher

[SNIPERBBB]

Originally Posted by bbman

Here's my problem with the tack cloth.
First, it's a Gorilla tack cloth. Which is allowed. But pitcher must wipe after making contact with it. Fed says as long as any substance doesn't leave a scuff mark on the ball, it's legal.
So pitcher wipes, but after awhile, she's now leaving the ball a little stickier, but not scuffed. Opposing coach complains.
According to the rule, as written, ball is still legal to use.
(It's obvious to me, that even if pitcher wipes, some substance is still getting to the ball, which I think, makes it an an unfair advantage).
Comment?

Remember they do NOT have to wipe after using a drying agent. Hand to mouth they must wipe.

ART. 2 . . . The pitcher shall:
a. Not be allowed to use tape or other non-approved substances on the ball or contact points of the pitching hands or fingers; nor shall any other player apply a foreign substance to the ball. NOTE: Dirt is not considered a foreign substance and does not have to be wiped from the hand prior to contacting the ball.

b. Wipe off their fingers before contacting the ball if they have licked their fingers.

c. Be allowed to use, under the supervision and control of the umpire, pow- dered rosin or any comparable drying agent listed on USA Softball’s cer- tified equipment webpage to dry the hand. It is not necessary to wipe off these drying agents before making contact with the ball. PENALTY: (Art. 2) An illegal pitch shall be called immediately. (6-1-1 PENALTY)