NO PITCH
QUESTION: In high school baseball, runner on first base, no outs; pitcher stops or hesitates in delivery because batter stepped out of box while holding up hand in request of Time. Is this a “no pitch” situation or a balk?
ANSWER: Both the pitcher and batter were at fault; hence, umpire will call “Time” and allow players to reset positions. Despite the request for “Time” by a batter, “Time” is not automatic until umpire honors request and calls “Time.” This is a “No Pitch” play. (BB- Rule 6, Sec. 2, Art. 4, d, 1).
QUESTION: In high school softball, runner on first base; pitcher accidentally drops ball on backward motion prior to delivery. Is this an illegal pitch, legal pitch or “No Pitch” play?
ANSWER: This is considered a live ball pitch with ball awarded to batter. Runner may advance at own risk and defense may make a play on runner. A pitch begins when pitcher breaks hands during windup in motion to pitch. If ball slips on backswing or forward motion, ball remains live. (SB- Rule 6, Sec. 1, Art. 2, a & b). If pitch is dropped forward batter may swing at pitch.