Illegal pitch - high school rules

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Nov 17, 2010
191
18
I'm a novice in a sea of experts on this forum, so I wanted to get some thoughts on this.

I was watching a high school game and the base ump made several illegal pitch calls against both teams. After a 30 minute inning, a half dozen coaches conferences, and 4 pitcher changes, it was finally clear to those watching what the umpire was calling.

He was pointing out that the pitchers pivot foot was dragged, but then lifted in the air after the stride foot hit the ground, but before the pitch was released. I've never seen this called in ASA or college and I was curious if it's a high school rule.
 
Mar 18, 2010
74
6
Pennsylvania
6.3.I

“Pushing off and dragging the pivot foot in contact with the ground is required.”

... which the OP said was occurring. After the stride foot lands, there is no issue. Can't be a leap, one foot is on the ground. The drag foot can follow through into the air.

Without having been there, I have no idea why the umpire called this illegal.
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
The only way I can see this being an illegal pitch would be if the pitcher actually came to a stop and then delivered the pitch. Even that would be somewhat farfetched unless terribly obvious.
 

Ken Krause

Administrator
Admin
May 7, 2008
3,911
113
Mundelein, IL
I've heard of a coach telling a pitcher she couldn't take the back foot off the ground because it was illegal, and knew it was wrong then too. Once the front foot lands, the back foot can come off the ground. Unless I'm missing something the umpire needs to go back to umpire school and learn the rules.
 
Nov 17, 2010
191
18
So by rule, the drag / pivot foot must be on the ground when the pitcher releases the ball? Never knew that. You'd think the rule quoted above could be a little clearer.

The game was played on a cold, wet field which probably helped the umpire see the rear foot lift off the ground and made the pitchers' stride foot plant a bit more. As I watched, it was hard to see myself, it was real close.
 
Nov 17, 2010
191
18
Ken, your point was the most popular among the spectators. We even took a collection for the ump to attend whatever school he needed to keep the game moving.
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
So by rule, the drag / pivot foot must be on the ground when the pitcher releases the ball? Never knew that. You'd think the rule quoted above could be a little clearer.

There is nothing wrong with the rule and that isn't what the rule states.
 

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