Clipping:Pitching delivery rule 2

From Protoball
Jump to navigation Jump to search
19C Clippings
Scroll.png


Add a Clipping
Date Wednesday, February 4, 1885
Text

There is among many players a singular misconception of the definition of the new League rule governing the pitcher's position, the idea prevailing that the rule requires both of the pitcher's feet to be on the ground when the ball leaves his hand. The fact is that the rule only requires him to keep the forward foot on the ground; the lifting of the backward foot being of no account, as the pitcher cannot lift that foot until the throw of the ball is made and the ball has left his hand. The rule works in this respect like that governing a “no ball” in cricket. That rule requires the bowler to have one foot on the ground behind the “crease” when delivering the ball. The umpire only watches to see that the foot is on the ground, as the fact of his lifting it shows that the ball has left his hand. Were the pitching rule such as to oblige the pitcher to keep the back foot on the ground after delivery, he would be so restricted in his deliver as to destroy his aim; besides which he would be liable to strain himself. The Sporting Life February 4, 1885 [N.B. This version of Rule 27 was only on the books one year.]

The League has instructed Secretary Young to explain to the umpires that, according to the new pitching rules, the pitcher must keep his forward foot stationary on the ground, but may slide his rear foot up to the forward one, provided some part of said foot touches the ground. The Sporting Life March 18, 1885

Source Sporting Life
Comment Edit with form to add a comment
Query Edit with form to add a query
Submitted by Richard Hershberger
Origin Initial Hershberger Clippings

Comments

<comments voting="Plus" />