Editor's Note : It's bound to happen to you some day as well. Early in the game something was wrong. The pace felt just a bit strange. As an umpire you get used to the timing of a baseball game, but everytime the pitcher setup it felt like something was missing, rushed, awkward.

A close observation revealed why: with no runners on base the game proceeded normally, but as soon as a runner got on first the pitcher would start a grand circle of the mound, come straight to the set position and pitch. What was missing, the preliminary position of refered to the "stretch." What you also noticed was the pitcher and catcher reading the signs from the dugout as the pitcher approached the half-way point of his walk.

"Time" the offensive coach asked for. "He has to take signs on the rubber or else it is a balk." No explanations seemed to satisfy him.

Richard Siegel must have ran into this same coach. Here is an e-mail trail created as he attempts to sort out ....

Taking Signs and the Rubber

submitted by Richard Siegel
with NASO response
by Scott Ehret

As a member of NASO, exercised my privilege to get advice from their "Rules Hotline." I asked about the pitcher taking signs while off the rubber.

Being a "cadet" in our local NF association, I was particularly surprised at the emphasis the instructor put on that "taking signs" issue, plus saying that's a balk! I know that sometimes in baseball, the enforcement of some rules does differ slightly from the exact description in the rule book. (i.e. The righty pitcher's jump/spin move to first is technically a balk, but it is allowed.) But the rule in the NF book seemed pretty clear to me.

I thought you might be interested in his response. RBS


Gentleman of the Rules Hotline:

The question I ask is with reference to HS National Federation Baseball rules. Specifically, rule 6-1-1.

In my association, some of the umpires are calling a balk if the pitcher takes his signs from the catcher when NOT in contact with the rubber. The rule cited above, states that this is an infraction of the pitching regulations, but it does not specify a balk as the penalty. I know from Pro rules (that are used in Babe Ruth) I have warned the pitcher of the violation and could eject for him for a repeat of the infraction. I am new to the Federation rules. This is my first year at this level. What is the right answer here?

Thank you,

Richard Siegel



From: Scott Ehret, Editor
Sent: Monday, March 24, 1997 6:12 PM
To: Siegel, Richard B, CTST
Subject: Re: Rules Hotline Question
Richard,

It's discouraging to think umpires are having problems with pitchers taking signs while off the rubber. No, there is no provision in Fed. to rule a balk; while pro may authorize an umpire to warn/eject a pitcher for repeated violations, in the real world I've not seen that happen in the 31 years I've umpired -- and I'm pretty hard-core.

Let's consider the purpose of the rule. It's designed to eliminate the possibility of a "quick pitch" by forcing the pitcher to: (a) step on the rubber, then (b) do something else before he can (c) deliver to the batter. Let's also realize that nothing in the rulebook prevents the pitcher from taking a sign from his catcher, coach, father or favorite pet whether he is on or off the rubber.

Frankly, umpires should not be concerned with such things. Our goal should be to insure that the pitcher first takes a legal pitching position, then allows the batter a reasonable opportunity to prepare for a pitch before the pitcher delivers. Since we (I hope) agree or acknowledge that the pitcher can take a sign or other information before he steps on the rubber, I submit there is no realistic way for umpires to determine that he is not getting an additional sign from his catcher after he gets on the rubber. After all, anything from the position of the catcher's glove to the smile on his face might be the fast ball" sign.

As long as the pitcher allows the batter reasonable time to get ready, there should be no problem. If you are having trouble with pitchers quick-pitching, the rules offer umpires plenty of power to enforce penalties.

Hope that helps.

Scott



Editor's Note

Why must a pitcher take signs from the rubber?

Interesting enough, historically, it was a rule put in place to speed up the game. Early in baseball the pitcher would take signs from around the field then finally from the catcher. The batter was even allowed three minutes to come from the bench to the batter's box. The rule was put in place to limit the delay this caused.

Pitchers still take signs from everywhere, it is just not as blatant, visible or institutionalized as those that come from the catcher.

As an umpire it is our job to see that "the dance" is properly done. Not too quick, not too slow. The momentary pause while the pitcher may or may not be making signs from the rubber is all we are looking for.


.... submitted March 27, 1997, revised January 2, 2001

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