They can pick the ball just not allowed to change once they pick.
I do think switching balls all the time could be used to slow game down.
I do think switching balls all the time could be used to slow game down.
Is there a reason for this rule? I'm genuinely just curious. Or is one of those things that "it's the rule, because it's the rule dang it!"
It seems odd the pitcher can't just ask for ball of preference but maybe there's a good reason for it I'm just not seeing.
Any idea why she keeps asking for different ball? Slow the game down?
Not to slow down game. She's regarded as one of the top pitchers in our local area, and well respected. My guess is she wanted the ball with seems she felt comfortable gripping.
This is why mine does it. Grip issues. It takes all of 7 seconds so it doesn't slow things down very much. She doesn't do it often but sometimes she gets a ball that just doesn't feel right.
And what does she do when she runs into an umpire that is actually following the rules and doesn't allow her to change the ball?
But if the umpire doesn't mind her swapping them out, she'll do that if she gets one that feels too slick or the seams are too low.
This is a clear violation of the rules. I realize this happens all of the time in travel ball.