This is normal pitcher behavior IMO, and it exudes confidence. I've had a couple of pitchers over the years that did the same thing and I loved it. My DD (catcher) would snap the ball back to the pitcher with velocity and quickness. The pitcher better be ready. It's something that she learned to do and was expected. DD's college pitcher thought DD was upset when she snapped the ball back to her. She had to explain, that this is what she does ,and at the same time this pitcher would catch the ball and flip the glove up a bit with confidence, she would stare down the base runners as well. It was a thing of beauty. Not too many Steal attempts last spring.
So tonite blue gave a warning to my DD pitcher that her mannerism are unsportsmanlike and intimidating to the opposing team in her role as a pitcher....and he threatened that she would be disqualified if she didn't refrain. Here is her crime. When she has a runner on 1st, 2nd or 3rd, upon receiving the throw back from her catcher, she snaps her glove hand up with the catch and stares the runner down as she walks back to the circle. Then gets ready for her next delivery. She has been pitching since 8U is now 16U and has done this for as long as I can remember. It is just her thing. I was shocked when she came into the dugout to share what blue had told her. Never on our radar screen that this is even close to intimidation or unsportsmanlike.. And no one has ever complained to this effect, it seemed that the only one being a snowflake was blue.
I will try to get some video at tonites game.....but appreciate all the comments.without a video it would is hard to comment. Any chance of finding a D1 video that replicates what your DD did? I only say D1 because there is alot more video from D1 out there. Any college division would work unless you have video of the actual "crime" and that would be good as well.
I thnk that may have happenedIt doesn't sound like something she should be tossed for but if I was the kid she was staring down I would probably do something like this
Since she's been doing this for a long time what is the purpose?
My DD stares down runners too. She was taught to do it.
Keeps them from getting any ideas. Lets them know they are being watched.