Had a game {NFHS} tonight where the pitcher's delivery looked
really awkward. Will try and describe it, but it was without
a doubt a HTBT scene. She did all the proper pre pitching
action, taking signal feet ok, but on her initial push off
the ball was not delivered until she had [and in most cases]
leaped off plate, planted, then without stepping again had
short arm delivery. Naturally she had little speed since
she was already planted, then released. She did not or
appeared not to be re-planting because she delivered flat
footed, no other step towards home plate. She did not last
long and partner only called two illegals on her. It was a
JV game, coach said she just wanted to see what she had. I
am still trying to figure out what she had. :D

glen

Uusally, when I do a JV game, I'll take the bases. I want to see how my partner does on the plate and I want to make sure that while illegal pitches are noted, they aren't called. I talk to the coaches and let them know what the problem is, but I am not going to "disrupt" whatever concentration that a JV pitcher has by calling illegal pitches. Since the game doesn't count for anything except getting younger & less skilled players some game time, most coaches usually appreciate this approach.
Could this pitcher of yours been working on the leap/drag delivery style, Glen?

Steve M

Steve,

May well have been. Wish I had thought to take camera and have
someone take a few shots. Would really have been hard to catch
unless I had taken camrecorder. I like your ideal about doing
bases when with younger partner. My partner of last nite was a
late fill in also a late arrival...We, umpires chapter, was so
short of umpires last nite, scheduler told me he call in two from
Louisiana and two of the others worked games alone. Schools
at this point have scratched blues and others blues had job
commitments. {lot of refinery workers, had shut downs}

Thanks,
glen

The pitcher was not pitching legally. Its good to talk to the coaches about what they are doing wrong. Young pitchers need to get in the correct delivery mode early in thier career and at the start of the season. Sounds like this pitcher has some work to do.