Early Pitch

[Skahtboi]

If the quick pitch were allowed to happen, I agree whole heartedly with you Tom. What I was talking about was preventing it in the first place. I will hold up play until the batter is set with such pitchers.

[Andy]

I agree with not allowing the quick pitch.

I would like some thoughts and opinions on this situation:

We have a pitcher around here that has a very short windup and throws hard. She will be standing on the pitcher's plate with hands seperated as the batter steps into the box. As soon (and I mean instantly) as the batter is set, the ball is on it's way. It's hard to describe, but opposing coaches and batters are constantly complaining. If the batter comes into the box with her hand up and the umpire responds by holding his hand up to the pitcher, the ball will be on it's way as soon as the hand is dropped. I have been behind the plate a few times when she is pitching and have not called the quick pitch. I have also taken some grief from coaches about it. What do you think?

[argodad]

Originally Posted by Andy

I would like some thoughts and opinions on this situation:

... If the batter comes into the box with her hand up and the umpire responds by holding his hand up to the pitcher, the ball will be on it's way as soon as the hand is dropped. ...

I sure don't want to discourage a pitcher from working fast -- but I had one like Andy's earlier this year. I sent the catcher out with a message that if the Blue doesn't have time to comfortably get in position, the strike zone tends to get smaller. No problem after that.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Andy

I agree with not allowing the quick pitch.

I would like some thoughts and opinions on this situation:

We have a pitcher around here that has a very short windup and throws hard. She will be standing on the pitcher's plate with hands seperated as the batter steps into the box. As soon (and I mean instantly) as the batter is set, the ball is on it's way. It's hard to describe, but opposing coaches and batters are constantly complaining. If the batter comes into the box with her hand up and the umpire responds by holding his hand up to the pitcher, the ball will be on it's way as soon as the hand is dropped. I have been behind the plate a few times when she is pitching and have not called the quick pitch. I have also taken some grief from coaches about it. What do you think?

Well, I call SP, but quick pitches are still in the SP rules. I always, ALWAYS hold up the pitch until I see the batter is ready and looking at the pitcher, especially if the pitcher is one that constantly tries to "push it." If I'm about to signal to the pitcher to pitch, but notice that he's already starting his motion, I'll continue to hold the "no pitch" signal.

[wadeintothem]

Originally Posted by Andy

I agree with not allowing the quick pitch.

I would like some thoughts and opinions on this situation:

We have a pitcher around here that has a very short windup and throws hard. She will be standing on the pitcher's plate with hands seperated as the batter steps into the box. As soon (and I mean instantly) as the batter is set, the ball is on it's way. It's hard to describe, but opposing coaches and batters are constantly complaining. If the batter comes into the box with her hand up and the umpire responds by holding his hand up to the pitcher, the ball will be on it's way as soon as the hand is dropped. I have been behind the plate a few times when she is pitching and have not called the quick pitch. I have also taken some grief from coaches about it. What do you think?

A fast working pitcher is not necessarily a "quick pitch". Just hold em up for a bit and enjoy it. It MIGHT BE.. Thats for you to judge and take the appropriate action.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Andy

We have a pitcher around here that has a very short windup and throws hard. She will be standing on the pitcher's plate with hands seperated as the batter steps into the box. As soon (and I mean instantly) as the batter is set, the ball is on it's way. It's hard to describe, but opposing coaches and batters are constantly complaining. If the batter comes into the box with her hand up and the umpire responds by holding his hand up to the pitcher, the ball will be on it's way as soon as the hand is dropped. I have been behind the plate a few times when she is pitching and have not called the quick pitch. I have also taken some grief from coaches about it. What do you think?

Any motion clips available?