RESOURCES
4. PITCHING
4.1 DEFINITIONS
4.1.1 CHARGED DEFENSIVE CONFERENCE
When an umpire grants time to the defensive team or suspends play to allow:
a) a defensive team representative to enter the playing field to communicate with any fielder, or
b) a fielder to go to the dugout and gives the umpire reason to believe that instructions were received.
SC 4.1.1.2 CHARGED DEFENSIVE DELAY
A delay caused by one or more defensive players leaving their position on the playing field to conference with another defensive player(s) which results in a delay in play. Time may or may not be called.
4.1.2 CROW HOP
Where:
a) the pitcher pushes off from a place other than the pitcher’s plate to deliver the ball, or
b) the pitcher steps off the pitcher’s plate establishing a second impetus (or starting point) and then pushes off from the new starting point and completes the delivery.
4.1.3 ILLEGAL PITCHER
A player legally in the game but who may not pitch as a result of being removed from the pitching position by the umpire.
4.1.4 LEAPING
Where:
a) the pitcher becomes airborne on their initial move by a push from the pitcher’s plate not involving a crow hop;
b) the pitcher’s pivot foot may push off and/or follow through with this continuous action and the pitcher’s forward movement causes their entire body (including the pivot and stepping [non-pivot]) foot to be in the air at the same time and moving toward home plate; and
c) the pitch is completed when the pitcher lands and with a continuous motion delivers the ball to the plate.
4.1.5 PASSED BALL
A pitch that should have been held or controlled by the catcher with ordinary effort.
4.1.6 PITCH
Where the pitcher delivers the ball to the batter.
4.1.7 PIVOT FOOT
The foot with which the pitcher pushes off the pitcher’s plate.
4.1.8 QUICK RETURN PITCH
A pitch made with the obvious attempt to catch the batter unprepared for the pitch before the batter takes a desired position in the batter’s box or while off balance as a result of the previous pitch.
4.2 DEFENSIVE CONFERENCE AND (SC) DEFENSIVE DELAY
4.2.1 CHARGED DEFENSIVE CONFERENCE
a) A defensive team has only three (3) charged defensive conferences in a seven-inning game.
b) Charged defensive conferences are accumulative and do not start over when a new pitcher enters the game.
c) Charged defensive conferences not taken in the seven innings do not carry forward to extra-inning games.
d) There is only one charged defensive conference for every extra inning in an extra-innings game. A charged defensive conference not taken in an extra inning of a game may not be carried over to any subsequent extra inning.
e) A charged defensive conference ends when the defensive team member crosses the foul line returning to the dugout or a fielder returns to the field.
f) A conference includes players in the field leaving their position and going to the dugout for instructions, whether or not ‘TIME’ has been requested.
EFFECT
Rule 4.2.1 a) For the fourth and each additional charged defensive conference in a seven-inning game or for any charged defensive conference in excess of one per inning in an extra-inning game, the pitcher in the game during the conference is declared an illegal pitcher who may not pitch again for the remainder of the game but may play another fielding position.
4.2.2 WHAT IS NOT A CHARGED DEFENSIVE CONFERENCE
A conference is not a charged defensive conference when:
a) a manager, coach or defensive team member reports a pitching change to the plate umpire before or after communicating with the pitcher;
b) a manager or coach reports from the dugout a change to the umpire and after making the change then crosses the foul line to talk to any fielder;
c) one or more defensive team members and at least one fielder confer during a charged offensive conference as long as all fielders are in position and ready to resume play when the offense is ready;
d) instructions are communicated from the dugout;
e) a manager/coach playing in the game confers with a fielder. The umpire may control the meetings between the playing manager/coach and a pitcher by issuing a warning and if it continues, ejecting the playing manager/coach; or
f) an umpire has suspended play.
SC: 4.2.3 CHARGED DEFENSIVE DELAY (U19 and above)
SC: A defensive team may only have one charged defensive delay per half inning.
Exception: Normal communication between players (including a catcher and a pitcher) that doesn’t require either to vacate their position on the field. It shall not be a Defensive Delay if players confer during a charged offensive conference, injury or other administrative delay provided they are ready to play upon the umpire’s request. If a team is out of delays, the umpire will have discretion to grant a brief, escorted visit at the catcher’s request if a cross-up in signals has occurred between the pitcher and the catcher.
SC: EFFECT
Rule SC: 4.2.3 The second and subsequent defensive delays in a half inning shall result in a ball being awarded to the batter. A second or subsequent defensive delay immediately after a hit, walk or putout shall result in a ball awarded to the next batter.
4.3 LEGAL PITCH REQUIREMENTS
4.3.1 PRELIMINARY ACTION BEFORE DELIVERING A PITCH
Before delivering a pitch, the following actions must occur:
a) All players must be positioned in fair territory, and the catcher must be in the catcher’s box and in a position to receive the pitch.
b) The pitcher must have possession of the ball and be on or near the pitching plate.
c) The pitcher must have the pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s plate and both feet within the 61.0 cm (24 in) length of the pitcher’s plate. The hips must be in line with first and third bases. (MP only – The pitcher must have both feet in contact with the pitcher’s plate and within the 61.0 cm (24 in) length of the pitcher’s plate. The hips must be in a line with first and third bases).
d) The pitcher must take, or appear to take, a signal from the catcher while standing on the plate with the hands separated and the ball in either the glove or the pitching hand.
e) The pitcher must, after taking the signal, bring their whole body to a full and complete stop with the ball in both hands in front of the body. The stepping (non-pivot) foot must be stationary at the start and during pause. The stepping (non-pivot) foot can only move forward with the start of the pitch. Any backward movement of the stepping non-pivot foot during or after the pause is an illegal action. This position must be held for not less than two (2) seconds and not more than five (5) seconds before releasing the ball. Holding the ball in both hands to the side of the body is considered in front of the body. (MP only – This position must be held for not less than two (2) seconds and not more than ten (10) seconds before releasing the ball)
4.3.2 STARTING THE PITCH
a) The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball, or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the pitcher’s wind up. The pitcher may not use a pitching motion in which, after being in the pitching position with the ball in both hands, they take a backward and forward swing and return the ball to both hands in front of the body.
b) The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate prior to the start of the pitch. Lifting the pivot foot off the pitcher’s plate and returning it to the plate, creating a rocking motion is an illegal act. (MP Only – Both feet must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate prior to the start of the pitch. Lifting the pivot foot off the pitcher’s plate and returning it to the plate, creating a rocking motion is an illegal act.)
4.3.3 LEGAL DELIVERY FAST PITCH
All of the following must take place for a pitch to be a legal pitch:
a) The pitcher must immediately deliver the ball to the batter upon making any motion to pitch.
b) The pitcher must only make one revolution on the windmill pitch. However, the pitcher may drop the pitching arm to the side and rear before starting the windmill motion. This allows the arm to legally pass the hip twice.
c) The delivery must be an underhand motion, with the hand below the hip, the wrist not further from the body than the elbow and with no stop or reversal of the forward motion.
d) The release of the ball and follow through of the hand and wrist must be forward and past the straight line of the body.
e) In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher may take one step with the stepping (non-pivot) foot simultaneously with the release of the ball. The step must be forward toward the batter and within the 61.0 cm (24 in) length of the pitcher’s plate. It is not a step if the pitcher slides either foot across the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained with the plate, and there is no movement backward off the plate.
f) The pivot foot must remain in contact with the pitcher’s plate or push off and drag away from the pitcher’s plate or be airborne prior to the stepping (non-pivot) foot touching the ground. The pitcher may leap from the pitcher’s plate, land and with a continuous motion deliver the ball to the batter. The pivot foot may follow through with the pitcher’s continuous action.
g) All movement of the pitching arm must be continuous as the pitcher steps or pushes or leaps from the pitcher’s plate.
h) The pitcher’s push off to drag, leap or hop must start from the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher must not crow hop or push off from any place other than the pitcher’s plate.
i) The pitcher’s arm on the release of the ball may follow through, provided the windup does not continue.
j) The pitcher must deliver the ball to the batter so as not to deliberately drop, roll or bounce the ball to prevent the batter from hitting it.
k) The pitcher has twenty (20) seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire indicates “play”.
MODIFIED PITCH
a) All the following must take place for a pitch to be a legal pitch: The pitcher must immediately deliver the ball to the batter upon making any motion to pitch.
SC Note: The pitcher must not use a pitching motion in which, after having the ball in both hands in the pitching position, they remove one hand from the ball, takes a backward and forward swing, and returns the ball to both hands in front of the body.
b) The pitcher may take the ball behind their back on the backswing, provided there is no stop or reversal of the forward motion and the pitcher does not use a windmill or slingshot-type of pitch or make a complete revolution in the delivery.
SC Note 1: The pitcher’s arm should draw a figure-eight during the complete motion, or the pitcher may use bowling style.
SC Note 2: Turning the body toward first or third base and bending the elbow during the backswing is defined as a slingshot pitch. This is not permitted.
c) The ball must be inside the pitcher’s wrist on the downward motion and during the complete delivery.
d) The delivery must be an underhanded motion with the hand below the hip, and the palm may be pointing downward.
e) On the forward swing of the pitching arm:
i) SC: the elbow does not have to be locked at the point of release; and
ii) the shoulders and driving hip must be squared to home plate when the ball is released.
f) The release of the ball must be on the first forward swing of the pitching arm and must pass the hip. The release must have a complete, smooth follow-through with no abrupt stop of the arm near the hip.
g) Pushing off with the pivot foot from a place other than the pitcher’s plate before the stepping (non-pivot) foot has left the plate is a crow hop and is illegal.
h) In an act of delivering the ball, the pitcher must take one step simultaneous with the release of the ball. The step must be forward toward the batter and within the 61.0 cm (24 in) length of the pitcher’s plate. The stepping (non-pivot) foot must be pointed toward home plate and must not touch the ground in front of, or across over a straight line between the pivot foot and home plate. It is not a step if the pitcher slides either foot across the pitcher’s plate, provided contact is maintained with the pitcher’s plate. Lifting the pivot foot off the pitcher’s plate and returning it to the pitcher’s plate, creating a rocking motion, is a violation of Rule 4.3.2(b).
i) The pitcher’s arm on the release of the ball may follow through, provided the windup does not continue.
j) The pitcher must deliver the ball to the batter so as not to deliberately drop, roll or bounce the ball to prevent the batter from hitting it.
k) The pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball or after the umpire indicates “play.”
4.3.4 DEFENSIVE POSITIONING
a) A fielder must not with unsporting intent act in any manner or take a position to distract a batter.
b) With a runner on third base trying to score by means of a squeeze play or steal, no fielder may step on or in front of home plate without the ball or touch the batter or bat.
4.3.5 FOREIGN SUBSTANCES
a) No defensive team member may at any time during the game use a foreign substance on a ball. A pitcher who licks the fingers on their pitching hand must dry them before making contact with the ball.
b) Under the supervision and control of the umpire, powdered resin may be used to dry the hands and must be kept on the ground behind the pitcher’s plate, within the pitching circle, when not in use.
c) Approved manufactured cloths embedded with resin only are permitted to dry the hand and must be kept in the back pocket or in the belt.
d) No fielder may apply resin to the ball or the glove and then place the ball in contact with that resin.
e) The pitcher may not wear tape on any fingers, or a sweatband, bracelet or similar type item on the wrist or forearm of the pitching arm. If a pitcher requires a sweatband or tape on their pitching arm as a result of an injury, both arms must be covered with an undershirt. SC Exception: A medical alert bracelet.
4.3.6 THE CATCHER
a) The catcher must remain in the catcher’s box until the pitch is released.
b) The catcher must return the ball to the pitcher promptly and directly to the pitcher after each pitch, including after a foul ball, except:
i) after a strikeout;
ii) when the batter becomes a batter-runner;
iii) when there is a runner on base;
iv) when a foul ball is fielded close to the foul line, and the catcher throws to any base for a possible out; or
v) when, on a checked swing on a dropped third strike situation, the catcher throws to first base to retire the batter-runner.
4.3.7 THROWING TO A BASE
After taking the pitching position, the pitcher must not throw or fake a throw to a base during a live ball while their foot is in contact with the pitcher’s plate. If this occurs during a live ball appeal play, the appeal is canceled. The pitcher may stop or disengage from the pitching position by stepping backward off the pitcher’s plate before separating the hands. Stepping forward or sideways constitutes an illegal pitch.
EFFECTS (4.3.1 to 4.3.7)
Rule 4.3.3 k) A Pitcher fails to release the ball in 20 seconds.
Effect A ball is awarded to the batter.
Rule 4.3.4 a) A Fielder acts in an unsporting manner or positions themselves to distract the batter. No pitch has to be released.
Effect The player is ejected from the game.
Rule 4.3.4 b) A Fielder stands in front of home plate without the ball or touches the batter or bat on a possible squeeze play.
Effect The ball is dead. The batter is awarded first base on the obstruction, and all runners will advance one base on the illegal pitch.
Rule 4.3.5 A Defensive team member continues to place a foreign substance on the ball or continues to violate any provision of 4.3.5
Effect
SC Effect: An illegal pitch is called for each infraction. The pitcher is ejected from the game.
Rule 4.3.6 b) A catcher does not return the ball directly to the pitcher with no runners on.
Effect A ball is awarded to the batter.
Rule 4.3.1 to 4.3.7 For an infraction of Rules 4.3.1 to 4.3.7 – Improper pitching mechanics. (except for the effects set out above for Rules 4.3.3 k), 4.3.5 and 4.3.6 b) results in an illegal pitch being declared.)
Effect This is a delayed dead ball, and the following provisions and effects apply;
a) If the illegal pitch is not hit, an extra ball is awarded to the batter (first base if ball four), and each base runner advances one base. If a runner legally advances on the illegal pitch, passed ball or wild throw by the catcher, any extra bases obtained may be retained. If the runner is put out after advancing one base, the runner will be called out.
b) If the batter hits the illegal pitch, the offensive team has the option of taking the award for the illegal pitch or the result of the play. If the batter hits the illegal pitch and reaches first base and if all other runners advance at least one base on the play, the illegal pitch is nullified, and all actions as a result of the play stand and no option is given.
c) If in a third strike situation, the batter swings at, but does not hit the illegal pitch, and it is a dropped third strike but the catcher throws the batter out at first base, and other base runners advance at least one base, the offensive team has the option of taking the award for the illegal pitch or the result of the play. In this case, if the batter-runner reaches first base as a result of the dropped third strike, and if all other base runners advance at least one base, the illegal pitch is nullified, all action as a result of the play stands, and no option is given.
d) If the offensive team manager does not take the result of the play, the ball is dead, the umpire will award a ball to the batter (first base if ball four), and all runners advance one base.
e) If an illegal pitch hits the batter, the ball is dead; the batter is awarded first base and all runners advance one base. No option is given.
4.4 WARM-UP PITCHES
a) At the beginning of the first inning for both teams or when a pitcher relieves another pitcher, the pitcher has one (1) minute to deliver not more than five (5) warm-up pitches to the catcher or another defensive team member. At the start of each half inning (after the first inning), the pitcher from the previous inning has one (1) minute to deliver up to three (3) warm-up pitches. If one minute has expired or is about to expire, the umpire will restrict the pitcher to one (1) warm-up pitch.
i) Except when the catcher was on base, at bat or in the on-deck circle and another defensive player is not used as a warm-up catcher, the pitcher is limited to one (1) warm-up pitch, other than a new pitcher.
ii) This does not apply if the umpire delays the start or resumption of play due to substitution, conference, injuries or another reason cited by the umpire.
b) Play is suspended during warm-up pitches.
c) A pitcher returning to pitch in the same half-inning will not be entitled to warm-up pitches.
SC Note: If a pitcher is using a designated warm-up area within the field of play while the game is in progress, they must also have a protective spotter who will stand immediately behind the pitcher and face the infield with an empty glove, serving to alert and, if necessary, protect the pitcher and catcher. The spotter may carry one ball in their throwing hand that may be given to the pitcher only if the warm-up ball goes out of the playing area. Errant pitches that remain in the field of play must be retrieved immediately. The spotter must remain in position at all times. Only one pitcher, one catcher, one spotter and a coach may be in the warm-up area. If pitchers are not actively warming up, they must return to the dugout area.
EFFECT
Rule 4.4 Excessive warm-up pitches
Effect A ball will be awarded to the batter for each extra pitch taken.
4.5 NO PITCH
A “No pitch” occurs, a dead ball is declared, and all subsequent action on that pitch is canceled by an umpire when:
a) the pitcher pitches during a suspension of play;
b) the pitcher attempts a quick return pitch:
i) before the batter has taken their position in the batter’s box or
ii) when the batter is off balance as the result of a previous pitch;
c) a runner is called out for leaving a base before the pitcher releases the pitch from their hand;
d) the pitcher starts the pitch before a runner has retouched the base after a foul ball has been declared; or
e) a manager, coach or player calls or asks for “TIME,” uses any other word or phrase or commits any other act while the ball is live and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch. In this case, a warning is issued to the offending team, and any repeat of this type of act by any member of the team warned will result in that person being ejected from the game.
4.6 DROPPED BALL
If the ball slips or drops from the pitcher’s hand during the delivery:
a) the plate umpire declares a ball on the batter;
b) the ball remains in play; and
c) a runner may advance at their own risk.
SC Note: The delivery must have started. If the ball is dropped prior to the start of the delivery (including before or during the pause), it remains a live ball.
4.7 RETURN OF PITCHER
There is no limit to the number of times a player may return to the pitching position as long as the player has not left the line-up or been declared an illegal pitcher by an umpire.
4.8 ILLEGAL PITCHER
A player who has been declared as an Illegal Pitcher, as a result of the team exceeding the charged defensive conference limit, may not return to the pitching position at any time for the remainder of the game. The Illegal Pitcher may play another defensive position and continue on offense for the remainder of the game.
EFFECT
Rule 4.8 Illegal Pitcher - Declared illegal pitcher returning to the pitching position and has thrown one pitch, either legal or illegal.
Effect
a) The illegal pitcher is ejected.
b) If the illegal pitcher is discovered prior to the next pitch, the manager of the offensive team has the option of:
i) taking the result of the play, or
ii) having the play nullified, with the batter returning to bat and assuming the ball and strike count held prior to the discovery of the Illegal Pitcher, and
iii) Each runner returning to the base held at the time of the pitch.