Quote:
Originally Posted by Honorable_Pawn
I have always wondered why teams bother to throw the ball for an intentional walk with this rule in place. It's completely dumb. I would never have my team throw the ball.
What would this lead to?
Would it possibly lead to others following suit? What if every team started doing that? The wild-pitch on intentional walks would be eliminated. I have never looked up the rule before. Is there a ball 4 clause or something?
|
8.04
When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball. Each time the pitcher delays the game by violating this rule, the umpire shall call “Ball.” The 12-second timing starts when the pitcher is in possession of the ball and the batter is in the box, alert to the pitcher. The timing stops when the pitcher releases the ball.
The intent of this rule is to avoid unnecessary delays. The umpire shall insist that the catcher return the ball promptly to the pitcher, and that the pitcher take his position on the rubber promptly. Obvious delay by the pitcher should instantly be penalized by the umpire.
Now that I am re-reading the rule it is required that the batter is in the box first. Guess there should be a rule about that too.