quote:Originally posted by Moc1:
MLB Rule 8.01(a):
"....He shall not raise either foot from the ground, except in his actual delivery of the ball to the batter, he may take one step backward, and one step forward
with his free foot."
I would say that the majority of pitchers nowadays break this rule twice every time they wind up. First, "one step backward" does NOT mean sideways or forward and most pitchers actually make their first movement with their non-pivot foot slightly forward(if not sideways). Never enforced. Secondly, the pivot foot is raised off the ground-no matter how slightly-when stepping in front of the rubber just before making the rotation with the "free foot"(leg). In order for a pitcher to legally comply with this rule he would have to slide his pivot foot without losing contact with the rubber-thus risking getting his spikes caught on the edge. This is also never enforced.
Byrd from the Indians actually steps backward and is one of the few that still do it according to the rules.
Moc 1
Please note the key word in 8.01(a) is may not shall. Nothing to enforce. If the kid pitches from the set position every time there is a runner on base he should read Rule 6 in NFHS rule book. There is a rule change this year that simplifies the going to mouth rule that applied in 2007. Wind position same rule applies.
IMO, more players, coaches and parents should read a high school rule book a couple of times. There are many sutble diffences to be found. There is also a case book which explains things, also.