Will a illegal pitch ever be called before the pitch is actually delivered ?

Yes........

Lets say the pitcher steps on the pitchers plate with her hands together.....Illegal pitch

Lets say she steps on the P.P. Hands apart , Brings them together, seperates them, then brings them together .....Illegal pitch.

SOOOO yes an illegal pitch can be called before it is actually delivered.

Bob

Signal
 

Why the delayed dead ball signal?

An illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball because there may be an option for the offensive coach regarding the results of the play or the penalty.

Steve M

Stop Action ?
 

So Steve, while it may be technically called before the pitch is actually delivered, play is not stopped until after the "result" of the pitch, true?

That's correct. Think about the call itself - you only say "Illegal pitch" loud enough so that someone close to you can hear it and you stick your left arm out giving the delayed dead ball signal. Let the play happen and one of three things happen - B-R & all runners advance one base(or more), or the option of the play results or the penalty.

Steve M

Steve answered your question........

But on a side note......when I am PU......many times when I call an illegal pitch (i.e. - verbally say "that's illegal" and stand up and give the DDB signal) the pitcher will stop her motion......

In that case.........just award a ball to the batter and advance any runners on base.......

The reason an illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball.....is.......what if the pitcher makes an illegal pitch and the batter smacks a "Home Run"......we do not want to penalize the offense for a mistake by the defense........

Joel