licking fingers

[marvin]

Originally Posted by 3SPORT

I agree that it has no physical consequence on a pitch that is delivered.

Ban a pitcher who usually licks her fingers every pitch and you will (in most cases) see a difference. And if you don't see one, then that's OK, because the pitcher is now complying with the rules. You won't know is there is a difference unless you enforce the rule.

Trying to determine a 'gained advantage' or in your wording 'physical consequence' to the action is - to me - looking at the enforcement of a rule the wrong way. My position is always that if there is no advantage to breaking the rule there will be no loss of effectiveness if the rule is followed (if a coach is arguing there was 'no advantage gained'). If there is a loss of effectiveness, an advantage is certainly demonstrated. I have encountered this argument many times when dealing with illegal pitch calls.

[Dakota]

The rule is under the "foreign substance on the ball" rule, not under the "improve the grip of the ball" category. I have no argument about there being an advantage to having clean, slightly moist fingers to aid in gripping a dry, slick surfaced, sandy ball. However, the moisture that may be transferred to the ball has no discernible affect on the flight of the ball.

I (for one) didn't say I don't enforce the rule. I said the rule was stupid. I also agreed that complying with the rule can be done without removing the advantage. Another reason the rule is stupid.

Have you ever tossed a BALL from the game because it has been contaminated with saliva?

Didn't think so.