Illegal Pitch Question.....

[Gulf Coast Blue]

First game tonight 12U.........

Pitcher is toeing the pitchers plate with her hands together........and at her side.........

I get the defensive coach and pitcher and explain that she must toe the PP with hands seperated and then after simulating taking the signal her hands can come together and she can begin the pitch.......

After that she does fine.........toes PP with hands seperated........BUT.......when she brings them together.......she kind-of turns her body.......and brings her hands (together) to her side..........then begins the pitch..........

Offensive coach wants an IP call because he says she has to keep her hands in front.........

It looked strange.........but I told him there was nothing illegal about it........

Thoughts?

Joel

[Steve M]

A rules interp for another couple of organizations I work in explained that the purpose of this requirement is to prevent a quick pitch - take/simulate taking signal with hands apart - and that as long as the pitcher was not violating the intent of the rule, IP should not be called. He explained this to me after I had banged a college pitcher for this very thing and ended it with "Don't call that again." So, unless there's a quick pitch, I do not call that one in ASA, Fed, or college. It's considered a technical violation rather than a real violation.

Steve M

[Gulf Coast Blue]

At first.......she was borderline quick pitching.......as soon as the batter got settled......she started the pitch......

I always hold a pitcher till I am ready and have a batter reasonably set in the box.......

My main question was regarding bringing her hands together at her side (almost behind her).........

It looked funny........but as I said........I saw nothing illegal about it.....

Joel

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by Gulf Coast Blue
First game tonight 12U.........

Pitcher is toeing the pitchers plate with her hands together........and at her side.........

I get the defensive coach and pitcher and explain that she must toe the PP with hands seperated and then after simulating taking the signal her hands can come together and she can begin the pitch.......

After that she does fine.........toes PP with hands seperated........BUT.......when she brings them together.......she kind-of turns her body.......and brings her hands (together) to her side..........then begins the pitch..........

Offensive coach wants an IP call because he says she has to keep her hands in front.........

It looked strange.........but I told him there was nothing illegal about it........

Thoughts?

Joel

Yeah, I've got a thought. I think the coach should tell me where to find that rule in the ASA book.