- May 29, 2015
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USSSA Rules;
44. R1 is on first base with no outs. B2 has a one ball, no strike count. F1 delivers an illegal pitch which B2 takes as R1 steals second. The pitch crossed through the strike zone.
Ruling - DELAYED DEAD BALL is signaled, and "ILLEGAL PITCH" should be verbalized by the umpire. The pitch is called a STRIKE, and at the conclusion of the play, the offensive coach is given the option of:
i) the RESULT OF THE PLAY - accepting a strike on the batter, AND R1's steal of second base, OR
ii) the PENALTY - a ball is awarded to the batter, and R1 is returned to first base
(6.3.C, p 37)
Comment: on any OPTION PLAY, unless it is plainly obvious, it is good practice for the umpire crew to confer and agree on what the result of the play actually is, and what the options are to be offered by the plate umpire to the offended coach.
Hmmm ...
Disregard that ... although I feel as if we are punishing the offense for the illegal pitch.
Then again, I don't like that automatically advancing the runner was taken out of the penalty. I personally don't think awarding a ball is enough. Much less incentive for pitchers to pitch properly. Low risk of getting caught vs. high reward of not messing up her mechanics?
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