Fastpitch question
 

Saw this today. I was not one of the umpires.

Pitcher toes the plate with her free foot. The pivot foot is behind the plate. She takes the sign. She then steps on the plate with her pivot foot, immediately puts her hands together, and starts her pitch.

What do you have?

Rita

What I don't have is an complete stop, so I have a stretched left arm and a call (DDB and a IP)

But you knew that already, didn't you?

ip

IP all day.

Or night. :D

Glad we all agree.

It wasn't being called. One of the things I noticed is that the first thing she did when she came out to warm up, was cover the plate with dirt. But from first and third it should have been seen and called.

I also noticed that PU was putting the ball in play with her pivot foot behind the plate.

OOPS!

Rita

Ball in Play
 

Wasn't it just recently that they re-wrote the rule to require contact with the plate to put the ball in play?

To be honest, I can't remember ever paying attention to that requirement.

Also, if I remember correctly (and I'm thinking HS wording), even now, "contact" with the plate is required. That does not necessarily mean both feet in contact...

Where else are the PU's feet supposed to be? :rolleyes:

Rita, I believe that's only a requirement in LL Softball (I assume that's what you're talking about, since you didn't mention it). I don't think there's a requirement in other organizations for the pitcher to "toe the plate" in order for the umpire to say "Play Ball."

OK, wise guy, which of the PU's feet is her pivot foot? :cool:

I would think it would be the one she pivots on. :D

2011 NFHS 5-1-4
Like I said, I believe this was a recent change, but cant look up older versions of the rule right now.

Okay, I guess it exists in FED ball. I just couldn't find anything in the ASA book.

And even the FED rule you quote doesn't say the pitcher must have her pivot foot on the plate. :)

Correct. As long as she has not moved either foot after getting possession of the ball, either foot can become the pivot foot. Once she moves one foot, the other foot becomes the pivot foot - until and unless she passes the ball or begins dribbling.

I don't think I said anything about pivot foot.
It was those other guys.
I also don't remember anyone paying attention... Contact or not.

But I am curious if anyone remembers that it was worded differently and changed around 2010.