Illegal pitch mechanic

[fiasco]

If a pitcher is using an illegal pitch but throwing strikes, do you just call them balls and wait for him/her to ask why you're calling balls and then explain how his/her pitch is illegal?

[wadeintothem]

Illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball. Its not just a "ball". There is a whole series of issues to address, depending on whether the ball was hit and runners, safe or not. Never ever just call "ball" because you saw something illegal.

Put out your right arm and say illegal pitch. If nothing happens (no hit) I then say "thats a ball".

I then start to get set again. If they know the problem (like if I've called it a few times) usually we just go from there. If not, the coach or pitcher/catcher want to know what the problem was and so then I'll explain it.

I do not explain it until I'm asked, whether on bases or as PU.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by wadeintothem

Illegal pitch is a delayed dead ball. Its not just a "ball". There is a whole series of issues to address, depending on whether the ball was hit and runners, safe or not. Never ever just call "ball" because you saw something illegal.

Put out your right arm and say illegal pitch. If nothing happens (no hit) I then say "thats a ball".

I then start to get set again. If they know the problem (like if I've called it a few times) usually we just go from there. If not, the coach or pitcher/catcher want to know what the problem was and so then I'll explain it.

I do not explain it until I'm asked, whether on bases or as PU.

Left arm, please.

[wadeintothem]

Ha! DOHHH! Yes of course. Left arm. Thanks!

[fiasco]

So, arm goes out and you verbalize as soon as you see the illegal pitch?

[wadeintothem]

To be honest, because I am a slow caller on just about everything I call, I dont jump on it. Usually its after the pitch is delivered by the time I've said and done all that. They pitch pretty fast...

The exception would be like stepping on the plate with hands together, which i see well before the pitch is thrown.

Something like a lane violation, I dont yell stuff that quick.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by fiasco

So, arm goes out and you verbalize as soon as you see the illegal pitch?

Umpiring 101

[Dholloway1962]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Left arm, please.

And don't hold your arm out too long!!!! If you hold it out and the batter fouls it back, it can hurt severly when it hits your arm!!!!!! I only did that once.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Left arm, please.

Maybe not on the "left coast".