Illegal Pitch

Definition: A pitch delivered outside the rules (e.g., not meeting the required arc, stepping outside the pitching area, quick pitching). Rule/Context Note: An illegal pitch results in a ball on the batter. Runners are only permitted to advance if the awarded "Ball" is the fourth ball, resulting in a walk. When It Matters: Umpire calls, pitch count, pitcher consistency. Interlinks: Pitching Arc • Balk • Strike Zone