scubabob34

Bruns cleared this up in one of his "Responses to Submitted Rules Questions" memos his put out on February 28th last year. The memo was 7 pages, but here is the relevant section:

news_attachments_1731023323231_2024-25PRMBA_RulesInterpretations-DoubleBaseatFirstBaseException110524.pdf

Yes, it is the pitcher and HC, although I agree, seems bizarre that you wouldn't eject the offender. Penalty specifically says pitcher and HC. I think a "gotcha" question

I think the Memo Bruns put out helps clarify the step... "“In front of any part of home plate” is defined as a step toward the pitcher and any part of the catcher’s foot on the ground beyond the back point of home plate." Based on this, I had balk and int for this question

***FOR DIVISION III RESPONDENTS ONLY*** Effective January 1, 2025, the use of one or more visible clocks will be permissible during the game to enforce all timing rules for Division III. Note: All pitch/between innings clock timing requirements shall continue to be followed and enforced during play. Rationale: Due to the potentially burdensome expense for purchasing, installing and operating/staffing the visible action clock, as well as feedback during the original adoption of the required action clock, permitting the use of the visible clock for institutions that wish to use it is sufficient for the effective application of the playing rule. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So it looks like D3 permissible, but not required -- and I talked to a NAIA coach that is on their rules committee...he said same as D3...looks like RefSmart timers will need to be reprogrammed AGAIN!

You'll get no disagreement from me on that!

This is from Randy's May 2022 "Ask Randy A Question" NCAA Baseball Pitcher Stumbles and Stops During Delivery Friday, May 6, 2022 Date: May 6, 2022 Rule: 9-1-a and Appendix F Question: No runners on base. While in motion to deliver the pitch the pitcher stumbles and never releases the baseball. Do we issue a twenty second action clock warning or ball if appropriate for second offense? Do we issue a ball for an illegal pitch and a warning for the twenty second clock? Answer: Once the pitcher starts the motion to deliver the ball, the time limit is over, so the situation you describe is not a time limit violation. There is no reason for a warning or time limit penalty. However, rule 9-1-a states that “any natural movement associated with the delivery of the ball to the batter commits the pitcher to pitch without interruption or alteration.” The listed penalty is an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied and a balk if there are runners on base. You cannot simply ignore this and let the pitcher “start over” just because there are no base runners or a pitcher could start a motion, pretend to stumble and stop his motion as a method of getting around the time limit rule.

I'm interested...let me know if these are still available...thanks!

I agree the rulebook was vague on this question vs. almost all of the other ones were straight quotes from the rules. The answer they're looking for is "D".

It's whoever brought the prop out.

I could be interested...you can dm me with the lowest price you're willing to go, given this is 100% profit to you! 😀

If this is still available, I'm interested and would appreciate pics...thanks!

Not disagreeing with you - but there's lot in the rulebook open to interpretation.... And I think if you look at the video clip they used (granted it was MLB) - U3 asked the plate guy if he declared to him. Finally, I think it makes sense to declare to the plate umpire, as someone has to notify the offensive team, and I'm thinking it makes the most sense for him to just turn to the dugout and tell them... So - I think that's the convention I'm going to use in my games. Pre-game it for sure, and do whatever your UIC wants!

Except this is verbatim from the 2022 clinic - Q10...and they used "plate umpire"

You spring for shipping and I'll take 'em!