OBR 6.02(a)(5)
Quick pitch
A quick pitch is a delivery made before the batter is reasonably set in the box, thrown to catch him off guard. With runners on it is a balk; with the bases empty it is an automatic ball.
Key points
- The standard is whether the batter was reasonably set — umpire judgment.
- With runners on: balk, runners advance one base.
- With the bases empty: illegal pitch, an automatic ball is added to the count.
In a game
Batter steps in with one foot and the pitcher is already delivering.
Ruling · Quick pitch. Automatic ball if the bases are empty, balk if anyone is on.
Why it moves the scoreboard
Changes the count or moves runners without a real pitch, which can flip an at-bat that props and totals depend on.
Related rules