PITCHING POSITION
QUESTION: In high school baseball only; runner on third base with pitcher in windup or set position; runner tries to steal home and pitcher immediately takes a step forward and throws to catcher who tags runner out. Legal play?
ANSWER: Dead ball, balk is called and runner is advanced to score. After pitcher established his position as pitcher on the plate, he must step backward with pivot foot in order to make a play on runner. By stepping backward, he is no longer a pitcher and becomes a fielder. ( Rule6, Sec. 1, Art. 1,2 & 3).
QUESTION: In high school baseball and softball, no runners on base; a pitch is dropped during delivery. Legal pitch? No Pitch?
ANSWER: (Baseball only) If dropped pitch crosses the foul line, a ball is called; otherwise, no pitch is declared. (Rule 6, Sec. 1, Art. 4).
(Softball only) If ball slips from pitcher’s hand during delivery, in backswing or forward motion, ball is live and considered a pitch. Batter is awarded a ball in count. ( Rule 6, Sec. 2, Art. 6).