Ball in Circle – Pitcher has control?

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  • May 11, 2015 at 9:59 am #71050
    Geoff Larsen
    Keymaster

      This one came up in discussion the other day…

      We all agreed that if the pitcher had the ball in their glove in the pitcher’s circle, and set the glove/ball on the ground that they no longer had control and runners on base could advance without being called out for leadoff.

      What about those pitchers which use 2 hands to do their hair/mask etc. I’ve seen on TV many pitchers put the ball inside the glove between their legs while they fix their hair. Others have put the ball in the globe under one arm while they put on their face mask.

      Is this control?

      Funny enough, a quick google shows that many of the different softball associations have different interpretations. Anyone find a Softball Canada or ISF interpretation on this?

      LOOK BACK RULE Possession
      USSSA 8.2 only if pitcher has ball (in hand or glove, under arm/chin, between legs).
      ASA 8.7.T pitcher has possession & control (rule sup 34 not between legs or under arm)
      NFHS 8.7.1 pitcher must have possession (not necessarily in either hand)
      NCAA 12.21.1 pitcher has ball (in hand or glove, under arm/chin, between legs)

      Per: http://usssa1.com/FPUmpires/Fast%20Pitch%20Rule%20Differences%202013.pdf

      May 12, 2015 at 8:37 am #71053
      Keith DAVIES
      Participant

        Unless the ball is in the pitcher’s glove on her hand or in her pitching hand I would say that she does not have control of the ball. That said I have never seen a coach on the ball enough to realize that he can take advantage of the situation; if a coach were to take advantage of the situation the umpire had better be aware that the pitcher didn’t have control.

        I would use the definition of a Legally Caught Ball as outlined in Rule 1 Section 58 as to whether or not the pitcher had control in conjunction with Pitching Regulations Rule 6 Section 1.e. whereby the pitcher is to have the ball in their glove or in their pitching hand.

        It should be noted that if the pitcher is standing with both feet on the rubber and switches the ball from glove to hand or visa versa it is an illegal pitch.

        When all is said and done remember what level of ball you are officiating. Preventative umpiring would be to either call time if the pitcher is fiddling around with whatever and doesn’t have control of the ball and/or have a word with the pitcher and/or coach and explain the rule.

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