Illegal Pitch? What is Your Opinion? (Video)

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by PSUchem

So is what I am hearing that everyone would rule these pitchers illegal? If so, would you call it consistently during a game? Have you ever experienced pitchers such as these?

I thought that the qualification that a crow hop happens before the hands separate put this issue to rest, but it appears there is still controversy.

Why would you not call it consistently throughout the game? If you see it clearly and call a pitcher for an IP...if it happens again you call it. She's obligated by the rules to pitch legally. Pitcher's gain an advantage when they throw illegally. I remember hearing/reading once that for every foot closer to the plate a pitcher can get before she releases the ball, it adds 3 mph to the speed of the pitch.

>Are illegal pitches tough to identify? Somtimes-YES..
>Do you need to definitely know for sure why it's not a legal pitch and be positive of what you saw...or did not see (Ex.-absence of drag)? YES.
>WHY? Because you have to be able to explain it to the pitcher and coach if asked.
>Do you have to be prepared to take some complaining from the coach for calling it? PROBABLY.
>Do you need to have the guts to continue to call IP's when and where they occur throughout the game? YES.

Question..what do the hands separating have to do with determining if the pitcher crow hopped?