As the umpire who made the call I feel compelled to chyme in. Since the original post is now buried on page two I have revived it. Steve, nothing personal, but I would make the same call again on you or anyone else for all of the following reasons: (1) below are the MLB rules from MLB.com which supports my original call, I encourage everyone to go and read them, (2) read the rule "commits him to the pitch without interruption or alteration," (3) notice how in rule 8.01.a.1-3 discontinuing the motion is not an option, (4) with no runners on the penalty for any illegal action is a ball on the batter.
Picture this scenario... two outs, bottom of the ninth, tie score and Barry Bonds is up. if I am pitching I would start my windup and stop about six times before I actually deliver the pitch just to get in the batters head if there is no penalty for it. So why don't we see savy veterans like Maddux, Clemens, etc do this? because it is against the rules, conferring an advantage to the defense.
Todd
Rule 8.01
(a) The Windup Position. The pitcher shall stand facing the batter, his pivot foot in contact with the pitchers plate and the other foot free. From this position any natural movement associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without interruption or alteration. From the Windup Position, the pitcher may: (1) deliver the ball to the batter, or (2) step and throw to a base in an attempt to pick-off a runner, or (3) disengage the rubber (if he does he must drop his hand to his sides).
(b) The Set Position. After assuming Set Position, any natural motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or interruption.
(d) If the pitcher makes an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied, it shall be called a ball unless the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise. 8.04 When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call Ball. The 12-second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the batter is in the box, alert to the pitcher. The timing stops when the pitcher releases the ball. The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire. Rule 8.05(e) Comment: A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batters box. With runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball. The quick pitch is dangerous and should not be permitted.
"Picture this scenario... two outs, bottom of the ninth, tie score and Barry Bonds is up. if I am pitching I would start my windup and stop about six times before I actually deliver the pitch just to get in the batters head if there is no penalty for it. So why don't we see savy veterans like Maddux, Clemens, etc do this? because it is against the rules, conferring an advantage to the defense. "
The way I read the MLB rules, a pitcher starting and stopping his motion is not a penalty and should not be penalized with a "ball". If the situation described above occurred, then I would put a clock on the pitcher. He has 12 seconds to deliver a pitch when the batter is alert. If the batter is alert and the pitcher started and stopped his windup six times, he would violate the 12 second rule, which the penalty is a ball.
Once again, if nobody is on base, is starting and stopping a pitching motion an illegal pitch? Rule 8.01(a) nor any other section in section 8 did I see anything about it being illegal for a pitcher to start and stop his windup with nobody on base. You cite rule 8.01(a) as a reason for calling a ball. It defines what you CAN do from the windup position. It does not define what you CAN NOT do from the windup position. It does not define a penalty for any pitcher's act that doesn't fall under subsections 1-3. It also does not define what the penalty is if you violate subsection 1 or 2. Subsection three does define a penalty if the specific act in subsection three occurs. As a side note - what if nobody is on base when an instance of 8.01(a)3 occurs? You can't balk with nobody on base.
The lack of clarity leaves things open for interpretation. Are we about to rewrite MLB rules?
Let's go back to your scenario. If I wanted to annoy Barry Bonds, I would start my motion and drop the ball to the ground. As long as the ball doesn't roll into foul territory, it's a "no pitch" (see 8.01(d) Comment)
I guess the lesson learned is, if there's nobody on base and something funky happens during your windup, just drop the ball. As long as it doesn't roll into foul territory, it's a "no pitch" and no penalty.
On a related note, in the previous thread, someone started citing high school rules as justification for calling a ball for this situation.
WE DO NOT USE HIGH SCHOOL RULES.
As stated in the manager's meeting back on Apri1 1, we use MLB rules which are only superseded by our CDMSBL rules. Every manager that attended this meeting received a copy of the MLB rules along with the CDMSBL rules. We did not hand out copies of high school rules. Why? Because we don't use them.
If an umpire cites high school rules to justify his ruling, protest the game.
The only exception, which was discussed at the April 1 manager's meeting, is the hidden ball trick. The pitcher must be completely off the dirt portion of the mound when a hidden ball tag is attempted.
Todd, I completely respect your call on the play. It's not a big deal really - It was the first time I have ever seen it called. You call a good game with a really good attitude - that's HUGE! Thanks for the input. I think we all learned some stuff.
Is it ok to put 10W40 in your glove when you're pitching? Just wondering......................
