Pitch - Illegal or No Pitch?

[JEL]

justmom,

One thing an umpire has to do which is sometimes difficult is judge intent. In fact it is usually very easy to judge, or very difficult, yet still must be done.

A key point is in 7-3-C EFFECT, and that is the batter delaying play.

6-10-E deals with anyone employing tactics to cause the pitcher to commit an illegal pitch.

Several knowledgable umpires chimed in here and all see (as well as I, knowledgeable or not!) an attempt by the batter to cause an illegal pitch. There is the intent judgement, which only allows you to invoke rule 6,not 7. Rule 6 does have more teeth though because a continued act can warrant an ejection of player, coach or both.