The Pitcher

“My pitching philosophy is simple – keep the ball away from the bat.”
– Satchel Paige

Nothing happens in baseball until the pitcher stands on the pitcher’s plate and delivers the pitch to the batter. He is the most watched player in the game and the rules that pertain to the pitcher are quite varied and detailed.

The rules regarding the pitcher apply exclusively in relationship to the pitching rubber, also known as the pitcher’s plate. When the pitcher is  legally disengaged from the pitching rubber, he is considered a fielder. So, the rules that apply to a pitcher are active only when the pitcher is engaging or disengaging the pitching rubber. A pitcher who is on the rubber is often referred to as “in-contact.”

The Pitcher’s Plate: [Official Rule 2.04]