51 (iv) The umpire shall be the sole judge on whether any portion of this rule has been violated. The Umpire-In-Chief shall inspect and approve one official rosin bag. The umpire in chief is responsible for placing the rosin bag on the ground back of the pitcher’s plate. If at any time the ball hits the rosin bag it is in play. In the case of rain or wet field, the umpire may instruct the pitcher to carry the rosin bag in his hip pocket. A pitcher may use the rosin bag for the purpose of applying rosin to his bare hand or hands. Neither the pitcher nor any other player shall dust the ball with the rosin bag; neither shall the pitcher nor any other player be permitted to apply rosin from the bag to his glove or dust any part of his uniform with the rosin bag. (b) Intentionally delay the game by throwing the ball to players other than the catcher, when the batter is in position, except in an attempt to retire a runner; PENALTY: If, after warning by the umpire, such delaying action is repeated, the pitcher shall be ejected from the game. (c) Intentionally Pitch at the Batter. If, in the umpire’s judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to: (i) Expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher, from the game, or (ii) may warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams that another such pitch will result in the immediate expulsion of that pitcher (or a replacement) and the manager. If, in the umpire’s judgment, circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially “warned” prior to the game or at any time during the game. To pitch at a batter’s head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous. It should be and is condemned by everybody. Umpires should act without hesitation in enforcement of this rule. 8.03–When a pitcher takes his position at the beginning of each inning, or when he relieves another pitcher, he shall be permitted to pitch not to exceed eight preparatory pitches to his catcher during which play shall be suspended. A league by its own action may limit the number of preparatory pitches to less than eight preparatory pitches. Such preparatory pitches shall not consume more than one minute of time. If a sudden emergency causes a pitcher to enter the game without any opportunity to warm up, the umpire in chief shall allow him as many pitches as the umpire deems necessary. 8.04–When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 20 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.” The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly. An obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire. 8.05–If there is a runner, or runners, it is a balk when - (a) The pitcher, while touching the pitcher’s plate, makes any motion naturally associated with his pitch and fails to make such delivery. If a left-handed or right- handed pitcher swings his free foot past the back edge of the pitcher’s rubber, he is required to pitch to the batter except to throw to second base on a pick-off play; (b) “O”Zone Play Only The pitcher, while touching his plate, feints a throw to first or third base and fails to complete the throw. (c) “O”Zone Play Only The pitcher, while touching his plate, fails to step direct toward a base before throwing to that base; COMMENT: Requires the pitcher, while touching his plate, to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base. If a pitcher turns or spins off his free foot without actually stepping or if he turns his body and throws before stepping, it is a balk. A
