In our league we have a pitcher who has only one arm (right) the other arm is intact from the shoulder to the elbow only (left). When pitching he traps his glove between his left arm and body and pitches with his right arm. Once the ball is released he puts on his glove.

Now, apart from the obvious health risk, is there any rule infringements?

Chris

Speaking ASA

Infringement upon softball rules or the pitcher?

As far as softball rules, no. As far as the pitcher, there better not be. ADA is a strong article to fight.

Thanks

I just needed clarification in case it ever came up in a game.

Chris

Test it out on him.
 

The person that brings it up and wants to complain....

Take a piece of rope/string and tie his hand up against his shoulder by passing the rope around his wrist and through his armpit...

And then say "Okay, let's see you do what he does. Then you tell me if he's gaining an advantage."

Smile big...:D

"I think he's okay. However, if you would like to even out the competition, we can leave you tied up during the game."

Huh?
 

It's not so obvious to me. What is the health risk?

"It's not so obvious to me. What is the health risk?"

If he doesn't get the glove transfered fast enough his nose and other parts of his anatomy could be at risk.

Seriously, the only thing that I could see ever come up would be dislodged equipment and shame on anyone that tries. As long as he does nothing intentional it shouldn't be an issue.

No Rule ........
 

There is no rule against it. You just gotta sdmire the guy for being able and willing to do it.

Uhhhhhm, the best example of this is in that ummmmmm, other sport. Rembember Jim Abbott. Played for the Angels for a long time? He did the same thing.

Rick

There's a guy here in North Texas that has played the same way for years, and he is also a pitcher. I find it a very cool thing to watch him in action.

Just to throw this out there. Did a co-ed tournament last week and the first baseman was a woman who was (by my estimation) between 7 & 9 months pregnant (she defintely had a shelf).

No one said anything and she got a courtesy runner when she got on base but I was a little leary about her being out there. I do not think there is any ASA rule prohibiting, but it made me uncomfortable.

Anyone else run into this?

No, but there is nothing that is (or should be, IMO) against this in the rule book. It is her body & her baby.

I was wondering, though, on what basis she was allowed a courtesy runner?

I'm not a doctor and I'm not god. If she chooses to be playing ball, that is her decision and not my concern.

BTW, yes, I have had pregnant women play ball in games I've umpired. To me, she is just another player.

"I was wondering, though, on what basis she was allowed a courtesy runner?"

On the basis that no sane person argues with a pregnant woman and the umps generally are the sane ones on the field.

I guess that's true "courtesy", as opposed to resting the catcher, uncounted pinch runner, etc.

More like umpire survival than courtesy ... ;)

It just seemed a bit odd that on the one hand the legality of the player would be raised due to her pregnancy, but on the other hand, wink 'n' nod courtesy runners were allowed.

I agree. It seems like the CR in this case would be a "league" rule which is permissible under ASA Rule 12.