When does the pitcher have to go to the plate?
In the WINDUP POSITION the pitcher can hold the ball with his hands (a) together in front of his body; (b) with both hands at his side; (c) either hand in front of his body and the other hand at his side.
(a)With his both hands together in front of his body any movement of an arm or leg represents the time-of-the-pitch and he must deliver the ball to the plate with runners on base.
(b)With both hands at his side he may move one hand at a time to a position in front of his body. If he moves both hands at once or moves his non-pivot foot in a step backwards, he must continue his motion to the plate or it is a balk. If he moves his non-pivot foot in a step backwards, no matter what is hands are doing, it represents the time-of-the-pitch.
(c)With either hand in front of his body, he can move his other hand so that they are together, but the time-of-the-pitch is when both he moves his arm/s or moves his non-pivot foot in a step backwards. |