Illegal Pitch

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by NDblue

I'm arguing what a "foreign substance" is. Is there dirt on the field of play? Is there chalk on the field of play? How are these "foreign" substances? They're part of the field and not foreign. Is there a definition of what a foreign substance is according to the ASA book? Tell me where to look as I can't find it, I have the 2006 and 2007 books right here. Rule 6, section 6.A talks about resin and saliva, says nothing about dirt/chalk.

I don't see how dirt can help a pitchers grip. I can see the opposite.

...

Try case play 6.6-4.

[BretMan]

Between the time a ball is manufactured, shipped, purchased and subsequently opened from its bag or box, is dirt and chalk part of its intristic composition?

No, therefore those substances are foreign to the ball.

Do balls get dirt or chalk on them propior to the game and during the course of normal playing action?

Of course they do, but that is not what the rule is addressing at all. The rule addresses only the actions of a player who intentionally places these substances on the ball.

[NDblue]

Don't have a case book and don't plan on buying one for this situation either. Until someone can show me in the rule book that dirt and chalk are foreign substances, I'll keep umpiring the way I umpire. For all you others that disagree with me, better start bringing more balls to the games because to be true to your interpretations of the rules, you'll need to change balls after every pitch.

[Dholloway1962]

Originally Posted by NDblue

Don't have a case book and don't plan on buying one for this situation either. Until someone can show me in the rule book that dirt and chalk are foreign substances, I'll keep umpiring the way I umpire. For all you others that disagree with me, better start bringing more balls to the games because to be true to your interpretations of the rules, you'll need to change balls after every pitch.

Uh...with that attitude you won't be umpiring very long. Pardon my sarcasm but here goes...Are you going to call balls that are hit and fielded on the foul line foul because it is called a foul line? I mean it is a foul line not a fair line!

[NDblue]

Originally Posted by Dholloway1962

Uh...with that attitude you won't be umpiring very long. Pardon my sarcasm but here goes...Are you going to call balls that are hit and fielded on the foul line foul because it is called a foul line? I mean it is a foul line not a fair line!

And this is one of the most asinine comments I've ever quoted. What are you trying to say? What the hell does this have to do with the topic at hand?

[BretMan]

One of the most asinine ever? Perhaps.

Coming in a close second:

"For all you others that disagree with me, better start bringing more balls to the games because to be true to your interpretations of the rules, you'll need to change balls after every pitch."

Why? Even if we disagree on what constitutes a foreign object on the ball, nowhere has anyone implied a problem with dirt or chalk on the ball as the result of normal game play.

If I were to be "true to my interpretations of the rule" I would have no problem with the ball until that dirt or chalk was deliberately placed there by a defensive player.

[NDblue]

Originally Posted by BretMan

If I were to be "true to my interpretations of the rule" I would have no problem with the ball until that dirt or chalk was deliberately placed there by a defensive player.

What's the difference? Convince me there'e a difference between what gets on the ball during normal play and what a defensive player puts there on purpose.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by NDblue

Don't have a case book and don't plan on buying one for this situation either. ....

How about for all the other situations in it that will help you become a better umpire?

I'd type the case play for you, but it would apparently be a waste of time. It completely refutes your position that dirt is not a foreign substance.

[MNBlue]

I'll do it Tom. It's Monday, I'm at work, and not really interested in working right about now.

Play 6.6-4
F5 rubs dirt on the ball and then gives it to F1 to pitch.

Ruling: Illegal pitch. If a player continues to place a foreign substance on the ball, the player should be ejected from the game. (6-6)

Play 6.6-5
F1 places resin directly on the ball or in the glove and the resin transfers to the ball, F1 then pitches the ball before the umpire can stop play.

Ruling: Illegal pitch. Resin may be used only to dry the hands. (6-6A)

Play 6.6-8
F1 spits on the ball or licks their fingers without wiping them off on the uniform and then pitches the ball before the umpire can stop play. B1 (a) hits a double; (b) is thrown out at second base; (c) does not swing at the pitch.

Ruling: In (a) and (b) the illegal pitch is ignored and play stands since B1 reached 1B safely. In (c) the illegal pitch is enforced. (6-6A)

NDblue - buy the casebook. It is pretty useful.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

Resin may be used only to dry the hangs. (6-6A)

The "hangs" huh???

[MNBlue]

I must have been really bored. Couldn't even proof read my typing.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

The "hangs" huh???

Scott,
Don't go there - you can't apply resein directly to the hangs.