Blue Notes “Pitching Positions”

There are two legal positions to deliver a pitch: Windup or the Set position. The pitcher may use either of these pitching positions at any time and may change positions when pitching to a batter.

Set Position

Umpire Technique

Windup Position Base Umpire(s) The base umpire(s) will go into the stance There are three legal actions available from either the Windup ”Hands on Knees” as soon as the pitcher or Set position: is on the rubber. 1.Pitch – Deliver the ball to the catcher Using this approach, this will inform the 2.Disengage – Step off properly from the rubber Plate Umpire that the pitcher is no longer 3.Pickoff Attempt – step ahead of the throw and attempt to an infielder and is eligible to throw a pitch. pickoff a runner If the pitcher disengages from the rubber, If the pitcher is in the Windup position and there are runners on the umpires will come out of the stance. base, the proper technique to disengage is to step off (i) behind the pitchers plate and (ii) with the foot on the same side as the Also, if there are runners on base, the pitchers throws from – right hand – right foot! umpires must be alert to the potential of a balk. If these TWO actions are NOT performed, it is a BALK.

Scenario 1) Runner on first base. Pitcher is on the rubber with the ball in a Windup position. The pitcher then realizes there is a runner on base and wants to be in the Set position. Pitcher simply turns without disengaging the pitcher’s plate into the Set position. -> Base umpire is in a Hands on Knees set indicating pitcher is on the rubber and as soon as the pitcher changes position, calls a Balk. Time is called and runner on first base is awarded second base. From the Windup position, the pitcher may attempt a pickoff to first base provided the pitcher steps directly towards first base and delivers the ball to first base. www.BaseballOntario.com