The pitch officially begins and cannot be discontinued once the hands have separated after coming together. The pitching motion consists of the start of the pitch, windup, step/stride, and delivery. See the companion article Pitching Procedures Before Pitch Starts for the proper procedures before the hands separate. Start of the Pitch and Windup There is a slight anomaly between the
Discontinuing a pitch/Stepping off pitcher’s plate
The rules The change in pitching rule 10.2.1.2 for the 2020-2021 Rule Book (stride foot not being able to step back once it is initially set) has ramifications for rule 10.11 – Discontinuing a Pitch/Stepping off the Pitcher’s Plate. The wording in the current rules make it technically impossible to properly discontinue a pitch. (Note: all references in this article
Illegal pitch – Rules and Options
Calling an illegal pitch is the responsibility of every umpire on the field. It requires a good knowledge of the rules governing this violation, using the correct mechanics, and administering the ruling which may involve explaining the options for the violation. • The articles which go into more detail on these rules and their administration are in this same section
Pitching Procedures Before Pitch Starts
See the companion article Here Comes the Pitch for the proper procedures after the hands separate. Pitching Position As the pitcher steps onto the pitcher’s plate with the intent to throw the next pitch, she must have her hands apart with the ball in either her glove or her pitching hand. A minor addition to the legal pitching position in