Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada. The rules of the game are set by the Major League Baseball Rule Book and enforced by the umpires. Umpires have the authority to eject players, managers, and coaches for violations of the rules. One of the rules states that a pitcher may not throw a pitch that is illegal, and there are several pitches that are considered illegal in MLB.
Definition of an Illegal Pitch
An illegal pitch is defined as any pitch that does not comply with the rules of the game. This includes any pitch that does not meet the minimum height requirement, is thrown with an illegal grip, or is thrown with an illegal motion. It also includes any pitch that is thrown with the intent to deceive the batter, either by changing speeds or by throwing a pitch that is illegal by definition.
Minimum Height Requirements
The minimum height requirement for a pitch to be considered legal is six feet from the ground. Any pitch that does not reach that height is considered an illegal pitch. Umpires are responsible for judging whether a pitch is legal or illegal, and if it is judged to be illegal, the umpire will call a “ball” and the batter will receive a walk.
Illegal Grips
A pitcher may not throw a pitch with an illegal grip. This includes any grip that does not comply with the rules of the game, such as a palmball, a scuffball, or a spitball. Any pitch thrown with an illegal grip will be called an illegal pitch and the batter will receive a walk.
Illegal Motion
Any pitch that is thrown with an illegal motion is considered an illegal pitch. This includes any motion that does not comply with the rules of the game, such as a balk or a quick pitch. Any pitch thrown with an illegal motion will be called an illegal pitch and the batter will receive a walk.
Intent to Deceive
Any pitch thrown with the intent to deceive the batter is considered an illegal pitch. This includes any pitch that is thrown with the intent to change speeds, such as a curveball or a slider. Any pitch thrown with the intent to deceive the batter will be called an illegal pitch and the batter will receive a walk.
Penalties for Illegal Pitches
The penalty for throwing an illegal pitch is a walk for the batter. The pitcher will also be warned by the umpire and may be ejected from the game if the illegal pitches continue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several pitches that are considered illegal in MLB. These include any pitch that does not meet the minimum height requirement, is thrown with an illegal grip, is thrown with an illegal motion, or is thrown with the intent to deceive the batter. The penalty for throwing an illegal pitch is a walk for the batter, and the pitcher may be ejected from the game if the illegal pitches continue.