Details: Parent Category: Larry's Corner

IV. PITCHER GOES TO HIS MOUTH ON THE PITCHER’S PLATE

A. FED – Point of Emphasis in 2008: While on the mound the pitcher may touch his pitching hand to his mouth as long as he wipes off that hand before it touches the ball. (6-2-1e; 6.2.1a) Penalty: Changed in 07 “A ball shall be called each time the pitcher violates this rule” - Changed in 08 “and subsequently engages the pitcher’s plate.” (6-2-1e Penalty)1. Also: (EDITED) A pitcher intentionally in contact with the pitcher’s plate, whether in the windup or set position, may not go to his mouth because he has interrupted his pitching motion. (6-12, 6-1-3) Penalty: ball/balk. (6-1-2/3 Penalty; 6.1.3o; 6.2.1a; 6.2.1b)(ADDED) Note: Two Elliott Hopkins Official Interpretations ruled that in the windup position with both hands at his side (Website 2007, #9) or the set position (Website #12), the pitcher could bring his pitching hand to his mouth without penalty if he wiped it off before touching the ball. Reason: He had not interrupted his pitching motion. Case book plays 6.2.1a and 6.2.1b reversed those rulings.

B. NCAA – (EDITED) Same as FED 6-2-1e. (9-2d; 9-2d Penalty; 9-2d AR 1)2. Also: (Changed – 08) In cold weather the umpire may announce that pitchers may blow on their hands on or off the rubber. 9-2d AR 2)3. Also: The NCAA draws a distinction between a pitcher “going to his mouth” and deliberately applying any foreign substance or moisture to the ball. Penalty: for applying foreign substance: Warning/ejection. (9-2e Penalty)

NAIA – Same as NCAA . (8.02)

C. OBR – The pitcher may not touch his pitching hand to his mouth anywhere within the dirt portion of the pitching mound. (8.02a-1) Penalty: ball. Professional pitchers who repeatedly violate that rule are subject to a fine. (8.02a-1 Penalty). Exception: If both managers agree in advance, during cold weather the pitcher may blow on his hands while on the mound or pitcher’s plate. (8.02a-1 Ex)4. Also: (ADDED) Official Interpretation: SI: J/R: The pitcher may not intentionally violate this rule to grant an intentional walk. First violation: Add a ball to the count. Second violation [to the same batter]: Add a ball and warn the pitcher he will be ejected if he continues. Third violation: Add a ball and eject the pitcher.

Play: R3: The pitcher is: a) on the pitcher’s plate, or b) on the mound, but not in intentional contact with the pitcher’s plate when he touches his pitching hand to his mouth.

Ruling: FED: In a) it is an immediate balk and R3 scores. In b) it is a balk only if the pitcher touches the ball without wiping off his hand.

NCAA and NAIA: It is a ball in a) but OK in b) unless F1 fails to wipe of his hand, when the penalty is also a ball.

OBR: In both a) and b) it is a ball, whether or not the pitcher wipes off his hand.