2 new interps for '26

[Richvee]

Two interps released today. I like them both. 

1. Interpretation: After a pitcher has declared to be using a windup with a runner or runners on base as described in Rule 9-1-b, they may change to using a set position once at any time within the same at-bat. However, to avoid confusion, the pitcher shall notify the plate umpire who will then notify the other umpires and the offense that the pitcher is now pitching from the set position. Without this notification, it is an illegal pitch. They cannot change back to using a windup position within this at-bat unless there is a substitution by the offensive team or immediately after the advancement of a runner

I'll spare the rationals NCAA lists. Here's the real rational...Pitchers can now return to the set with a fullcount. 😁

2.Interpretation: During an inning and following an umpire’s call of “time” or if ball has become dead (e.g., after a foul ball or a pickoff attempt that goes out of play), the clock shall stop, reset, and start again when the pitcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher and batter are in the dirt circle surrounding home plate, all defenders have returned to their positions, any runners have returned to their original bases, and all participants are ready for play to resume. When the pitcher engages the pitcher’s plate, the umpire will call and/or signal that the ball is alive and in play.

 

 Again.. here's the real reason... I've seen multiple teams taking advantage of this loophole. Foul ball. pitcher engages the rubber, batter steps in the box...Clock starts. Pitcher takes his time coming set, then holds the set for what seems like an eternity while the clock runs down to 1 second, while the batter, who doesn't want to use a charged conference has no choice but to stand there and wait. Now we can start the clock. Batter has his 12 seconds to be ready, and we don't put the ball in play until the pitcher and batter are on the rubber and batter is ready. 

[johnnyg08]

1 hour ago, Richvee said:

2.Interpretation: During an inning and following an umpire’s call of “time” or if ball has become dead (e.g., after a foul ball or a pickoff attempt that goes out of play), the clock shall stop, reset, and start again when the pitcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher and batter are in the dirt circle surrounding home plate, all defenders have returned to their positions, any runners have returned to their original bases, and all participants are ready for play to resume. When the pitcher engages the pitcher’s plate, the umpire will call and/or signal that the ball is alive and in play.

 

 Again.. here's the real reason... I've seen multiple teams taking advantage of this loophole. Foul ball. pitcher engages the rubber, batter steps in the box...Clock starts. Pitcher takes his time coming set, then holds the set for what seems like an eternity while the clock runs down to 1 second, while the batter, who doesn't want to use a charged conference has no choice but to stand there and wait. Now we can start the clock. Batter has his 12 seconds to be ready, and we don't put the ball in play until the pitcher and batter are on the rubber and batter is ready. 

I feel like another reason they're cleaning this up is for the hidden ball trick. 

[Richvee]

2 hours ago, johnnyg08 said:

I feel like another reason they're cleaning this up is for the hidden ball trick. 

Maybe… but I saw it more than a few times this year. Batters standing ready in the box for close to 20 seconds without much recourse other than get in the box, but don’t look up for 10 seconds or so, forcing the pitcher to wait to come set. Now we’re just playing games.  I like the new interp  

 

[grayhawk]

I like them too. The first one definitely puts some certainty into a rule with too much ambiguity.

The second one establishes a procedure that was inconsistently officiated in previous seasons.

Good on Randy.