Quick Pitch

[SNIPERBBB]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Here we are with the season barely getting underway, or still a month away in colder climes, and this is already the third question I've seen about pitchers pausing with their hands separated and "presenting" the ball.

And so it goes...

As far as I know (since it was before my time) there used to be some description of how the pitcher "presented" the ball before pitching. No, I don't know exactly what a pitcher had to do to meet that requirement, but my understanding is that it was eliminated about 30 years ago and replaced with the "pitching preliminaries" we see today.

The only softball rule book I'm aware of that still says anything about "presenting the ball" is USSSA, and that's just for slow pitch.

U-trip slow pitch:
Sec. 4. PITCHER’S LEGAL MOTIONS ALLOWED IN ACTUAL DELIVERY OF
THE PITCH.
A. After assuming the pitching position on the pitcher’s plate or in the pitching
area, the pitcher must present the ball in FRONT OF HIS BODY (for at least one
second) in either one or both hands before starting the delivery motions. Note: All
pitching rules that apply to the pitcher’s actions before and during the release of the
pitch along with the restrictions on height, speed, etc., shall remain the same.
B. The pitcher may hold or grip the ball in any manner before delivery.
C. Only a definite underhand motion is permitted in the delivery of the pitch.
D. The pitcher may release the pitched ball in any manner when delivering the
pitch. This includes any and all types of delivery.
EFFECT Sec. A-D.After the pitcher presents the ball, he may make any windup or arm motions
desired, either in front of his body, above his head or behind his back, including stops
and pauses in these motions.