Pitcher does something wierd.

[GaryBarrentine]

14U Rec. Ball.

In a game last evening, F1 would walk back into the circle after receiving the ball from F2 and sometimes she would bend down and rub the ball in the dirt about 2 feet in front of the pitchers plate.

Have anyone seen this before? Is this legal?

Thanks

GaryB

[MNBlue]

No and no.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by GaryBarrentine

14U Rec. Ball.

In a game last evening, F1 would walk back into the circle after receiving the ball from F2 and sometimes she would bend down and rub the ball in the dirt about 2 feet in front of the pitchers plate.

Have anyone seen this before? Is this legal?

Thanks

GaryB

Yes and no.

I've sometimes seen it when it is the top of the 1st, and the ball is fouled out of play. F1 doesn't like feel of the brand new ball. I do try to rough the game balls up a bit, but sometimes it is not enough (according to F1). Once both balls have been roughed up during game play, no, I haven't seen it.

[DaveASA/FED]

Agree with MNblue, but I would handle this as follows I would call time and walk out to the pitcher with one hand in my ball bag, as if I am thinking of giving her a new ball. When I go there I would ask to see the game ball then as I am "inspecting" the ball I would inform her that she can't rub the ball in the dirt like that it is interpreted as adding a substance to the ball, which would call for an illegal pitch. Hopefully that would make her realize it was a no-no and all would be good.

Had one in a state tournament a couple of years ago....mud spot behind plate (leaking hose area from watering field) passed ball got in that mud, F2 didnt' notice returned ball to F1, who took it and rubbed the ball on the edge of the pitching plate and ground to remove this mud. Well BU calls IP for rubbing ball in dirt. This scores a runner from 3rd to tie the score.....well after a not so nice conversation between the UIC, ASA rep(also a very good umpire) and coaches (and I am sure others) the IP was upheld but that BU, got the above advice, with a you know what she was doing when there is mud like that stop the game make sure the ball is ok and remind her she can't do that.

I know some will say this is preventive umpiring and I will say yep, and a good example of where it should be used IMO. Some purists will say call the IP and she/he will learn from that....guess I am just soft, explain on this "gray" area stuff and let the game play, if they do it after they have been told then bang 'em.

[NM FP Ump]

Yes, I've seen it before, and no, it is not legal.

I've had that happen, where a pitcher rubs the ball into the dirt. I've had a 12U pitcher put the ball in the toe drag depression in front of the pitcher's plate and cover the ball with dirt, and my favorite of all time...

Calling LL game (manager must call games, you know the drill). Defensive coach calls time, comes out to the foul line to talk to pitcher and catcher and pours water from his water bottle on to his pitcher's jersey. He thinks the catcher would block my view, but I went up the other foul line to get a drink from my water bottle. I went over to their huddle, felt the pitcher's jersey and asked the coach if he put that water there. He just looked at me with that deer in the headlights look, and mumbled something. I told him that this was illegal and if I saw her touching her jersey in the affected area, I would call an illegal pitch. He took the pitcher out, I reported the conduct and he got his hand slapped by the LL board. End of story.

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

Agree with MNblue, but I would handle this as follows I would call time and walk out to the pitcher with one hand in my ball bag, as if I am thinking of giving her a new ball. When I go there I would ask to see the game ball then as I am "inspecting" the ball I would inform her that she can't rub the ball in the dirt like that it is interpreted as adding a substance to the ball, which would call for an illegal pitch. Hopefully that would make her realize it was a no-no and all would be good.

Had one in a state tournament a couple of years ago....mud spot behind plate (leaking hose area from watering field) passed ball got in that mud, F2 didnt' notice returned ball to F1, who took it and rubbed the ball on the edge of the pitching plate and ground to remove this mud. Well BU calls IP for rubbing ball in dirt. This scores a runner from 3rd to tie the score.....well after a not so nice conversation between the UIC, ASA rep(also a very good umpire) and coaches (and I am sure others) the IP was upheld but that BU, got the above advice, with a you know what she was doing when there is mud like that stop the game make sure the ball is ok and remind her she can't do that.

I know some will say this is preventive umpiring and I will say yep, and a good example of where it should be used IMO. Some purists will say call the IP and she/he will learn from that....guess I am just soft, explain on this "gray" area stuff and let the game play, if they do it after they have been told then bang 'em.

Now wouldn't you think this situation was covered by "ground rules"?

[wadeintothem]

Seen it a couple of times in lower level ball.. told em to stop it and wipe it off and played ball. Thats it. I didnt wait for the IP. I didnt wander out there on some top secret mission to secretly inform them not to do it.