Are base runners always protected on a illegal pitch?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by youngump

The easiest example is the runner standing with one foot on the bag. She lifts up the foot on the bag and bangs it back down to clear the dirt off her cleat. She has lost contact with the base but not left it. Searching for the thread will probably get you more than hearing me recount it.

I don't recall the thread, but I have an opinion.

If you saw that, then you are looking at the wrong thing.

Leaving early on a pitch just isn't a LBR violation; it is leaving early on the pitch. Different rule citation (on the road, cannot cite the specifics).