Illegal pitch?

[BlaineAB]

USA softball rules in effect. Is this a legal or illegal pitch? Was not called as illegal in the game. Is there enough of a pause with the hands separated to appear to get a sign?

I say "no", illegal pitch.

 

[joe720]

Yeah that seems fine to me. Wouldn't think that would be called illegal.

 

[BlaineAB]

Interesting NFHS video.

 

[marriard]

This is fine. There is no requirement to 'pause' - just that the hands are separated while simulating or getting a sign. It isn't long, but the hands are separated for at least a count of two, so I certainly wouldn't be calling anything as long as the batter is ready. It isn't like she is walking into her pitch.

Just saw the NFHS video above - 0:32-0:47 shows this well

 

[chinamigarden]

plenty of time. Looked legal to me

 

[The Man In Blue]

I am of the same mindset as Blaine in that I would like to see more of a pause before bringing the hands together, but it’s not to the point I would call it. I would say something to the coach, as bad habits can develop quickly.

 

[BlaineAB]

Here's why I think it's illegal:

Part of my pitch preliminaries checklist concerning the "appears to take a sign" is saying to myself "fastball, in". Some umpires go with "one-mississippi". Concept is the same, there has to be a gap of time with the hands separated. I don't complete "fastball, in" before this pitcher brings her hands together.

I personally think the best way for a pitcher to take a sign is from on the rubber. Then they don't have to remember to pause.

 

[chinamigarden]

Here's why I think it's illegal:

Part of my pitch preliminaries checklist concerning the "appears to take a sign" is saying to myself "fastball, in". Some umpires go with "one-mississippi". Concept is the same, there has to be a gap of time with the hands separated. I don't complete "fastball, in" before this pitcher brings her hands together.

I personally think the best way for a pitcher to take a sign is from on the rubber. Then they don't have to remember to pause.

Maybe she sees the sign and thinks 3-1 then brings her hands together as she processes that means inside fastball. Taking the sign and interpreting it are 2 different things.

 

[BlaineAB]

I'd say the catcher putting one finger down and tapping their shin guard for the location still takes longer than the time elapsed in the video.

 

[BlaineAB]

I think 8 or 9 out of 10 umpires would call this legal, which I get. I guess as a pitcher, why make it close?

Hopefully, USA softball will remove baserunners advancing as part of the illegal pitch penalty.