Illegal pitch called

[The Man In Blue]

This is why I hate the "simulate the signal" verbiage.

I would far prefer something more like: "Once engaged on the pitcher's plate, the pitcher must pause for a minimum of 2 seconds but no more than 10 seconds. During this pause, she must be looking towards the batter, must keep her hands at her sides, and her body and arms must remain motionless. At that time she may take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher."

Softball and baseball ... the pitching rules need to be re-written to be specific and crack down on the nonsense. This would also help umpires with calling illegal pitches because they will be more comfortable with what is and what is not.

 

[The Man In Blue]

S


That’s why I don’t understand it. She didn’t simulate, she got the signal. How do you simulate it if you are getting the signs from the catcher.

3-2 count on the Leadoff batter and struck her out but called illegal. Only earned run and we won the State Championship. Just thought it was a bogus call.

He said she didn’t simulate getting the signal.

I am not a Seinfeld fan, but why am I envisioning George Costanza screaming, "I didn't simulate it! I actually did it!"

 

[Tango]

This is why I hate the "simulate the signal" verbiage.

I would far prefer something more like: "Once engaged on the pitcher's plate, the pitcher must pause for a minimum of 2 seconds but no more than 10 seconds. During this pause, she must be looking towards the batter, must keep her hands at her sides, and her body and arms must remain motionless. At that time she may take or simulate taking a signal from the catcher."

Softball and baseball ... the pitching rules need to be re-written to be specific and crack down on the nonsense. This would also help umpires with calling illegal pitches because they will be more comfortable with what is and what is not.

I’m just trying to make sure it’s not called again. She steps on the pitchers plate and stands there for a few seconds. Most of the time for approximately 5 seconds and they call the signal out twice. Then she looks at her band and brings her hands together and pitches. She doesn’t swing back.



I know it’s different for umpire since the catcher is calling out the number.

 

[mmeece]

I’m just trying to make sure it’s not called again. She steps on the pitchers plate and stands there for a few seconds. Most of the time for approximately 5 seconds and they call the signal out twice. Then she looks at her band and brings her hands together and pitches. She doesn’t swing back.



I know it’s different for umpire since the catcher is calling out the number.

The issue isn't how long she stands there but whether or not she looks in towards the catcher. The rule is poorly written but most interpret it to mean that the pitcher has to look in towards the catcher in order to "simulate taking the sign" regardless how long she is on the rubber (which is a perfectly acceptable term in softball btw).

 

[The Man In Blue]

I’m just trying to make sure it’s not called again. She steps on the pitchers plate and stands there for a few seconds. Most of the time for approximately 5 seconds and they call the signal out twice. Then she looks at her band and brings her hands together and pitches. She doesn’t swing back.



I know it’s different for umpire since the catcher is calling out the number.

Without video, we can't say. By your description, the only thing I can think of is she wasn't looking (as others postulated).

My best advice, ask the umpire at the time. Don't argue of course, but just ask. "Hey Blue, we aren't sure what she did wrong. Can you explain it?"

 

[Tango]

The issue isn't how long she stands there but whether or not she looks in towards the catcher. The rule is poorly written but most interpret it to mean that the pitcher has to look in towards the catcher in order to "simulate taking the sign" regardless how long she is on the rubber (which is a perfectly acceptable term in softball btw).

I can’t say for sure she was looking at the catcher but it would be really hard not to be looking at her before she looked at the card. It was loud at the finals and I wouldn’t think she would be able hear the numbers without looking at the catcher. Most of the time she signals to say it again.

 

[Jeffrey]

I can’t say for sure she was looking at the catcher but it would be really hard not to be looking at her before she looked at the card. It was loud at the finals and I wouldn’t think she would be able hear the numbers without looking at the catcher. Most of the time she signals to say it again.

The rules also state that the pitcher isn’t in position unless the catcher is in position. Maybe that compounded it? I could see if she’s not behind the plate in a crouch yelling out the # rather standing out of position…then getting into a crouch.

 

[CoachJD]

No rule saying the ball can not be in the glove when simulating taking a signal, but some umpires think it has to be in the hand. My DD’s pitching coach always said humor that umpire instead of trying to get him to admit he is wrong during a game and just have it in her hand.

I know this wouldn't help the whole not enough umps thing, but when guys pull this crap they should simply not get paid. You get paid for doing a job. This, imo, is not bothering to do the job. If you work a softball game and don't know one of the most basic rules of softball pitching, you either get your stuff together immediately or you just volunteered to work that game.

But if we did that, they'd moan and cry and people would say we lost another good ump when in reality we lost another terrible ump who's ruining the game.

I often wonder if the game would be healthier if everybody collectively played half the games we actually play, but umps like this never set foot on a field ever again.

 

[jackfrost]

The rules also state that the pitcher isn’t in position unless the catcher is in position. Maybe that compounded it? I could see if she’s not behind the plate in a crouch yelling out the # rather standing out of position…then getting into a crouch.

crouch is not required for a catcher. At least on a pitch out you will see them sometimes stand.

 

[Gtrips07]

I know this wouldn't help the whole not enough umps thing, but when guys pull this crap they should simply not get paid. You get paid for doing a job. This, imo, is not bothering to do the job. If you work a softball game and don't know one of the most basic rules of softball pitching, you either get your stuff together immediately, or you just volunteered to work that game.

But if we did that, they'd moan and cry, and people would say we lost another good ump when in reality we lost another terrible ump who's ruining the game.

I often wonder if the game would be healthier if everybody collectively played half the games we actually play, but umps like this never set foot on a field ever again.

You know what would help if all the coaches umpired. And if all the coaches only got paid if they won. If a coach makes an error in the lineup card or puts in a sub who can't lay down a proper sacrifice bunt, the umpire should get paid double.



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