Look back rule
March 3, 2009
What is that circle around the pitching rubber?
I got this directly from the ASA site.
“Many years ago the Look Back Rule was established to help speed-up the game by stopping the pitcher and the runner from “toying” with each other when the ball was being returned to the infield after it had been put in play. The rule was not established for the offense or defense to gain an advantage through “trick plays” or by “baiting” the other side into a violation. According to Rule 8, Section 7 T, the batter-runner and / or runner(s) must return to the base or advance to the next base once the ball is returned to the pitcher in the pitcher’s circle. Once the pitcher has possession of the ball in the eight-foot circle and the runner(s) have completed their base running responsibilities or all play has ceased, the play is over.”
It’s import to understand that the pitcher does NOT have to actually “look” at the base runner. Once the ball is in control and in possession of the pitcher and she is within the circle then all runners must respond immediately by either advancing or returning to a base. However, if the pitcher then appears to “make a play” on any of the runners ….. then all bets are off.
My question is: What constitutes “making a play”? Does she have to throw the ball or is it simply lifting the ball up in a ready to throw position?