50 the pitcher fails to make a complete “stop” called for in the rules, the umpire should immediately call a “Balk.” NOTE: With no runners on base, the pitcher is not required to come to a complete stop when using the Set position. If, however, in the umpire’s judgement, a pitcher delivers the ball in a deliberate effort to catch the batter off guard, this delivery shall be deemed a quick pitch, for which the penalty is a ball. (6) At any time during the pitcher’s preliminary movements and until his natural pitching motion commits him to the pitch, he may throw to any base provided he steps directly toward such base before making the throw. Stepping at a 45- degree angle is acceptable. For instance, stepping directly toward a base is considered acceptable if the pitcher steps at a 45- degree angle between the center of pitcher’s plate and between home and first base. (7) The pitcher shall step “ahead of the throw.” A snap throw followed by the step directly toward the base is a balk. (8) If the pitcher makes an illegal pitch with the bases unoccupied, it shall be called a ball unless the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise; (9) A ball slipping out of a pitcher’s hand and crosses the foul line shall be called a ball; A balk will be called with men on base in “O”Zone play; (10) If the pitcher removes his pivot foot from contact with the pitcher’s plate by stepping backward with that foot, he thereby becomes an infielder and if he makes a wild throw from that position, it shall be considered the same as a wild throw by any other infielder. The pitcher, while off the rubber, may throw to any base. If he makes a wild throw, such throw is the throw of an infielder and what follows is governed by the rules covering a ball thrown by a fielder. 8.02–(a) The pitcher shall not - (1) While in the 12-foot circle surrounding the pitcher’s plate, touch the ball after touching his mouth or lips, or touch his mouth or lips while he is in contact with the pitcher’s plate. The pitcher must clearly wipe the fingers of his pitching hand dry before touching the ball or the pitcher’s plate; (2) Apply a foreign substance of any kind to the ball; (3) Spit on the ball, either hand or his glove; (4) Rub the ball on his glove, person or clothing; (5) Deface the ball in any manner; (6) Have on his person, or in his possession any foreign substance; (7) Deliver a “quick” return pitch. NOTE: The pitcher, of course, is allowed to rub the ball between his bare hands. PENALTY: For violation of this part of rule 8.02(a), the umpire shall: (i) Immediately call the pitch a ball. (ii) However, if the pitch is made and a batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a hit batsman, or otherwise, and no other runner is put out before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed without reference to the violation. (iii) Even though the offense elects to take the play, the violation shall be recognized, and the umpire will ask that the pitcher be removed from the mound. In the judgment of the umpire, the pitcher did not intend, by his act, to alter the characteristics of a pitched ball, then the umpire will warn the pitcher in lieu of removing the pitcher from the mound. If the pitcher persists in violating the rules, the umpire shall apply the penalty (remove the pitcher from the mound).
