Illegal pitch?

[David Emerling]

Originally posted by TexBlue
Illegal Pitch. Call it. I can't find anywhere in the Rule Book where it states it isn't illegal if you have to remove the pitcher due to her inability to alter her delivery to a legal pitch. Of course, you'll probably fall off a few Christmas Card lists, but it's illegal, call it.

I don't believe an umpire can remove (eject) a pitcher simply because she is throwing an illegal pitch. There is already a specific penalty for that violation.

After a few "illegal pitches" in a row, the coach will certainly remove the pitcher.

So, calling a series of illegal pitches is tantamount to having the pitcher removed, although it's the COACH who does the removing once he is convinced that EVERY pitch by his pitcher is going to result in a "ball" call.

The fact of the matter is that this girl actually threw quite hard. She had good velocity. And why wouldn't she? She's almost throwing it like a baseball.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN