In Dixie girls 10U game last night, visiting team had awesome pitcher (for this age group). What made the pitching even more intimidating was that between every other pitch, the first baseman (also, backup pitcher) would go to the pitcher's mound and talk to the pitcher while shuffling the dirt with their feet for about 15-20 seconds. Not a very long time, but nonetheless very distracting to the batters. Each time, the PU would take a couple of steps toward the pitcher, pause, then return to the plate as the first baseman went back to her position. Are there any rules on this? Can anyone explain the PU's actions?

The only rule I know of is the 1 minute the pitcher gets between pitches. My guess is the PU was nearing the timeout of his "clock" on the delay.

I don't usually get very picky on the 1 minute stuff, but if this was going on, I would suddenly enforce a time limit of 60.00 secs. (Maybe even 59.5 ;) )

Actually, in Dixie there is no minute to deliver the ball. Rule 6:03( F) states — The pitcher has ten (10) seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball, or after the umpire indicates “play ball”.

If the PU is not honoring a request for time made by the first baseperson, then this would definitely be a violation of the above rule. As of this year, Dixie allows Angels Division players to be called for an illegal pitch, which would be the appropriate penalty here.

Scott

Wow! 10 seconds is quick. FED uses 20 seconds - and believe me when 20 seconds finally roles around, the game is getting pretty draggy.

A minute between pitches would be intolerable. FED allows a minute between half-innings.

Arggggh! Brain cramp! http://www.stopstart.freeserve.co.uk/smilie/dunce.gifThe 1 min is between half innings... it's 20 sec between pitches!

But, 10 sec is pretty speedy. I don't know how the F3-F1 conference could happen in just 10 sec. Probably shoulda been called.

I agree, 10 seconds (Dixie) is extremely quick! I know they had to have exceeded that time period for most of their discussions. I was just curious since I've never seen these conferences occur at this age level. Our batters were already nervous about her pitching speed and that was intensified with all the delay between pitches. It just didn't seem right. Thanks for the input.