Pitch Action Clock Ejection - ASU Coach Tossed Arguing Automatic Ball Call for Excess Step Off

A time violation as a result of baseball's pitch clock-related pace of play rules resulted in a coach's ejection in Arizona, as an ASU pitcher exceeded his step-off limit during an at-bat and umpires awarded an automatic ball. Article: www.closecallsports.com/2023/03/pitch-clock-ejection-time-violation.html
After the game, ASU head coach Willie Bloomquist sounded off regarding the pitch clock, pitcher disengagement rules, and the state of the game, saying, "Whoever made the rules of this pitch clock stuff are destroying the game of baseball."
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This play uses NCAA/college rules and refers to a 20-second "Action Clock" (formerly Pitch Clock), which differs somewhat from MLB's version. For instance, while MLB uses variable timing for its clock (30 seconds between batters, 20-seconds between pitches with runners, 15-seconds with the bases empty), NCAA's clock is constantly started from the 20 second mark.
In this 20-second window, the pitcher must initiate some sort of "action": pitch the ball, disengage the rubber, make a pickoff attempt throw to a base, play on a runner, call a defensive conference (when allotted), etc.
Unlike the MLB rule, which allows pitchers two free disengagements from the rubber per at-bat, regardless of whether the disengagement results in a pickoff, fake throw, step off only, etc., NCAA's rule allows just one "reset" or simple step off / fake per at-bat. If the pitcher completes a pickoff throw attempt, or tries to make a legitimate play on a baserunner (which is more than just a feigned throw), it doesn't count as a "reset" and is not charged as one. Thus, NCAA pickoff attempts are unlimited while MLB limits them to two "free" per AB.
The NCAA rule charges a penalty of an automatic ball for excessive "resets" while MLB charges a penalty of a balk for excessive (unsuccessful) pickoffs/step-offs/etc. At both levels, the limit counter resets if a runner advances or the player at-bat is retired/reaches base/etc.
We also talk about the scoreboard in use. Daktronics scoreboard / shot clock models not using tenths of a second result in a "zero" (or horn if there were to be automatic horn enabled, as is the case in basketball or hockey) when the clock display reads ":00" to fans. But internally, the scoreboard will actually read ":00.9" at the moment of the horn. The nine-tenths of a second thus is also added to the start of the timer, making it look like the timer is delayed slightly when it is started. For a 20-second action clock, the timer thus begins at 20.9 seconds and expires at 0.9 seconds, reading as ":20" to ":00" for the fans.

[@jeffnewgent-wx3pf]

I agree that if the pitcher can step off and still deliver the pitch within 20 seconds, it should be allowed.

[@mse326]

The issue comes with the clock being reset. So the umpire won't know if it occurred in 20 seconds, and you can't not reset the clock or they are looking at the wrong time just on the chance he might get it off under 20

[@jordanissport]

That only applies with no runners on

[@alexchavez3383]

For what purpose? Keep your foot on the rubber, give the catcher the glove signal if you need a new set of signals, and play ball. It's not all that complicated to not need to step off a bunch of times, which accomplishes nothing

[@Stevo2557]

Props to him for giving the umpires credit here...

[@reberhardt]

Just keep the clock running during at bat unless there’s a pick off or the umpire calls time. As long as the pitcher throws within the time limit does it really matter if he steps off more than once?

[@vincentrobinette1507]

I sure don't think so. this is EXACTLY my argument!

[@brandonjuber3576]

I wonder if it has to do with runners returning to the base when a pitcher steps off.

[@jfejapan2829]

The only part of coach's argument that I have to call BS on is when he said he 'wasn't told there's only 1 reset per batter'. As umpires, we've been preparing for this rule all off-season, and the coaches have all been made aware, especially for D1. Also, at plate meeting we either explain it again, or ask if they understand/have any questions. The only games I've done so far have been at facilities without a visible clock (timed by the base ump), and have not had a single violation yet.

[@brendonneely9456]

Maybe I misunderstood what the coach said, but I thought he was saying that he didn’t know the first reset of that at bat had already occurred, not so much that he didn’t know about the rule.

[@torstenbrandt5628]

@@brendonneely9456 So for example like he didn't saw the 2nd strike and he would argue about the K after the next pitch? ;-) Don't see the fault in a rule if anybody who isn't watching and then complains he doesn't get what happened.

[@1969EType]

Precisely...He doesn't need or isn't entitled to a "warning". His guy stepped off twice and everyone in the ballpark could see that the pitch clock was reset on the first step off. THAT...was his "warning". Now you know you've had one step off and your guy needs to deliver within the time frame or a ball will be assessed to the count.

[@jjj1951]

Read the rule book coach

[@Blt-rr2lm]

He’s right about stepping off the rubber. Just keep the clock running. Step off as as many times as you want, just get the pitch away before the clock runs out. Forget resetting completely.

[@squarelevelplumb]

Exactly. Step off 15 times, just pitch within 20 sec

[@U9Daddy]

What if he steps off briefly, and the that causes the batter to reset? IDK how that would work, practically speaking.

[@jamesmurray3948]

I think NCAA will critique the PU not signaling a reset which I think is both arms with a point and crew mirrors. I didn't see that in video.

[@kirkluther1222]

Agree completely!

[@jamesmurray3948]

@@kirkluther1222 The crew might have missed the 2/24/23 NCAA video. NCAA still working out the details. This game was 3/3/23 and NCAA still clarifying with follow up videos after.

[@xbreachedthetosx7591]

Ditch pitch clocks. Action clocks. All clocks. This ain’t baseball.

[@ChrisinOSMS]

What’s the mechanism to keep batters from delaying play by fidgeting with their sweat bands, batting gloves, raking swings, or stepping out of the box, etc.?

[@umpireva5440]

I have worked 12 college games so far and basically zero problems. The players are adjusting quickly and almost everyone loves the quicker games.

[@jordanissport]

I just finished game 12 today, I called three violations over the weekend and no one complained. Everyone knows the rule and for this head coach to suggest that he didn’t know the rule makes him sound like he doesn’t read his emails.

[@johnn6740]

@@jordanissport In all fairness, you can say no one complained, but thats only because if you complain to the ump, you run the risk of quickly getting tossed. And then if you wait to say something during the press conference, the league probably interprets it as disparaging the umpires, and you get fined.

[@douglassepic9030]

I'm not among the "almost".

[@jordanissport]

@@johnn6740 complaining won't get you dumped. Prolong, profane, and personal. Willie was prolonging his complaint. He was told twice to go back to his dugout. He did not and he got the boot for it.

[@umpireva5440]

@@douglassepic9030 I understand that and respect it.

[@ronpeacock9939]

As someone who umpires mostly softball, where they've had a rule in place for a while... no big deal.. but we don't have pickoffs or anything like that either. The real problem is, back 40+ years ago, pitchers worked much faster. Today, they have perfected the art of the delay and over the last 40 years as pitcher specialization has taken over, so has the delay... not only pitchers though.. Hitters like Mike Hargrove didn't help either. The current crop will get used to it though I do agree with the coach.. give 1 reset.. but after that, you step off the clock stays running and if time runs out.. Ball... Some guys are used to using that as a physical reset or sign reset with the catcher... can't do that anymore.

[@vincentrobinette1507]

My argument exactly! Now, just have the minor leagues and colligate leagues adopt the MLB rules, with your modification: Just let the clock continue its count-down after the first step-off, rather than penalizing the pitcher. (reset only after a throw)

[@Azagthoth12]

Pitchers used to work faster? Tell that to guys like the Mad Hungarian.

[@MichaelKolesarKoleslaw]

Look at all the time we saved, Rob. Just look at it! Might've gotten a commercial break in there somewhere, just keep trying.

[@acerlazereye1232]

What do I think about the pitch clock? Just as the coach said - they're destroying the game of baseball. It's total BULLSHIT!

[@GregMcNeish]

I like pitch clocks in general, but there does seem to be some fine tuning to be done regarding both batter readiness and disengagements. I like the idea of an action clock, as limiting pickoff attempts in MLB isn't accomplishing anything worthwhile. The cat-and-mouse of runners & pitchers is some of the best drama baseball can offer. Anyway, regarding this rule, a single disengagement seems awfully strict. Maybe give the pitcher once per batter when they can ask for a clock reset, but otherwhile a disengagement doesn't stop the clock. I don't know how to balance it for the batter, though. You don't want to force them to have to stand their ready for an eternity, but you also don't want to be in a situation where the pitcher can throw even if the batter isn't set, because that's unsafe. Honestly, I think the whole "batters call time too much" situation could be eliminated simply by MLB umpires being more authoritative that THEY call time, not the batter. The batter ASKS for time. It only slows down the game if the ump gives it to them all the time.

[@T-DubGames]

I imagine there will be a tweak where like you said the reset has to be requested by the pitcher (with an autoreset under 5 seconds left on clock). So on-off-on in a couple seconds doesn’t count unless the pitcher requests the reset while off.

[@MrJimi16]

That is a good point on resets. Why penalize the pitcher when he still has time left to throw the pitch? You'd have to add in an audible reset call by the umpires, but honestly that is like MLB umpires verbally announcing review outcomes: something that should have been done from the beginning. Also, the batter side of pace of play is them stepping out after a pitch, not them calling time. The majority of batters calling time is because the pitcher is holding the ball.

[@ryanvannice7878]

Agreed on the time comment. I think many of the rules to speed up the game were already in the rule book, just not enforced. I realize individual umpires couldn't do it, but commissioner could have mandated enforcement instead of adding a level of complexity.

[@alexchavez3383]

​@@MrJimi16What is the purpose of the P actually physically stepping off the rubber? It's pointless, it messes up the batter's timing as far as whether he now has enough time to readjust, And there's just no point to it. Still going through signs, fine, just keep your foot on the rubber. Need a new set of signs? Fine, keep your foot on the rubber and twirl your glove. Just no real purpose for allowing a bunch of step offs.

[@MrJimi16]

​@@alexchavez3383 Weird take. I mean, your response is that he should just not take his foot off the rubber, but that kind of response could be given to your only stated, somewhat reasonable problem, that the batter may now be caught off guard with the pitch; the batter should just stay ready. Never mind that in this case a pitch that could catch him off guard would almost necessarily be a balk. Ultimately, the actual problem here is that the umpires don't have a way of communicating that the pitcher has used his reset.

[@AV57]

New rule: the pitcher has 90 seconds to face each batter. If he fails to retire the batter within 90 seconds the batter is awarded 2nd base and a nacho hat with hot bean dip. The runners may not touch home plate until they eat the entire hat.

[@morganwright6388]

The point is to speed up the game, right? (because apparently baseball is boring 🙄) So, the 20 second clock is there. If he can step off twice and deliver the pitch in 20 seconds, what's the problem? Those are his 20 seconds to spend however he likes. There should be a 20 second clock OR a rule about stepping off twice. Not both.

[@AchillesWrath1]

I don't mind the pitch clock. The games were getting too long and boring to watch. The average game should be like 2 to 2 1/2 hours not 3. Another big reason for that is the amount of relief pitchers per game has almost doubled since 1980 from 2 to almost 4.

[@shannonmosley3290]

Remove the Pitch Clock Rule

[@bernie7044]

This is just plain stupid. This rule is a disgrace.

[@josephyodiceyodice5990]

Destroy the regular flow of the game so you'll have plenty of time for all the commercials.

[@jordanissport]

Here’s what really irks me about this, he’s absolutely lying about not knowing the rule. Otherwise he’s being oblivious to all the emails and educational information he sent during the off-season. To even suggest that he was not aware, tells me how little rules knowledge he actually understands. And I’m a Willie Bloomquist fan, he was the ultimate utility player for the Seattle Mariners

[@MultisportOfficial]

I don't think he said he didn't know the rule. It sounded like he was saying he didn't know his pitcher had already stepped off once. I believe that's what the "what about a warning" argument was about. The first stepoff and return was pretty quick, so I can see how it may not have been noticed by everyone.

[@jordanissport]

@@MultisportOfficial literally every umpire signaled the reset mechanic with both hands out to their side, index fingers extended

[@SmokeyBottom1]

The whole time clock ordeal is a dumb idea.

[@lanem4304]

Umpires already had tools available to help with pace of play; the pitch clock, especially the step off/reset of clock shenanigans are going to be exposed this year. 8 seconds is quite a long time for a batter to have to sit in a perfectly ready position when the pitcher can start pitching at any time. How about something as simple as, pitcher has until 0 to start delivery home, batter needs to be ready to accept any pitch home by 8 seconds left, if he isn't ready, and the pitcher still pitches, call whatever the pitch would be (ball or strike) etc. The arbitrary step off/ready by certain time or else it is an automatic strike just isn't the game. I agree with the ASU coach here. I do respect his comments though; he can get frustrated with the rule, and as he said, he isn't upset at the umpires, they are just doing what they have been told to call, they don't have the wiggle room to make it better. The issue is the rules changes.

[@tankerdriver6329]

It's a safety issue. We don't want the pitcher to deliver with the batter not watching. That's why there is still a "quick pitch" rule.

[@BlazePokePulls]

Noticed Darren Hyman as the ejecting umpire. Was one of my instructors at Jimmys back in 2004. Damn good umpire. Jeff Macias was the 1st base umpire in this game. Also a former AAA umpire.

[@squarelevelplumb]

he went from AAA to college? that seems like a demotion

[@BlazePokePulls]

@@squarelevelplumb many guys get released at AAA since jobs at the MLB level don’t open up.

[@touchdown62]

A lot of times, the issue with these hyper-strict rules in sports is the fact that similar rules were on the books but were never enforced. It has been illegal for decades to "lead with the crown of the head" in football, which is called "spearing," but that penalty was rarely enforced, even in obvious instances of spearing. Now we have these tighter rules in place to force the enforcement of that particular rule in football. Same thing for baseball. There have been rules in place throughout the various codes of pitchers having so much time to deliver the pitch or make a play, but they rarely get enforced. NFHS still has the rule that the pitcher must deliver or make some kind of play within 20 seconds of getting the ball back. It's NEVER called. Rules makers in NCAA and OBR/MLB have had to become more strict with rules, to the point of having a visible clock, to make players conform to and umpires enforce these rules.

[@deanb024]

While you are correct about NFHS not having enforced it in the past, that is no longer the case. All base officials are to have stopwatches or timers to enforce the 20 second clock between pitches and 90 seconds between innings. I have already had 6 clock violations on the pitcher so far and one friend has rung up one batter 2X in one for clock violations that resulted in strike outs because the batter was disputing the previous pitch.

[@1969EType]

@@deanb024 ...and while YOU are correct that there is indeed a 20 second rule in FED I don't see anything in FED requiring umpires to use stopwatches. That's a decision your HS league and or your umpire association has made. A decision I fully support by the way and will be mentioning to my leadership.

[@KevinQuinn81]

This guy is giving me a real "old man yelling at clouds" vibe but I do agree with him that there probably should be some kind of signal for step-offs; at least in the short term. Otherwise, it's not really that complicated, it's just different. It's not that fundamental of a change and pitchers (and batters) will freakin' adjust.

[@jamesmurray3948]

There is a signal now. It was shown in an NCAA 2/24//23 video but people are busy. NCAA is behind the power curve with the rule. The jefes should have been on the ground at fall scrimmages enforcing the rule and seeing what can go wrong.

[@sonnybowman]

@@jamesmurray3948 Was it necessary to speed up the game at the NCAA level?

[@jamesmurray3948]

@@sonnybowman this year will be a goat rope

[@alexchavez3383]

​@@sonnybowmanPac-12 games were getting to 3 and 1/2 and 4 hours. Nobody wants that. At the D2 and lower levels, I've noticed meaningful increase in pace of play, and about 20 minutes reduced in most game times so far. You can feel the difference as far as just a brisk, competitive pace of action.

[@mikes805]

I absolutely hate the pitch clock.

[@DaveR24]

Baseball is an untimed game. Get rid of any clock PERIOD.

[@jimmeade2976]

The pitch clock is stupid ... and extremely difficult to manage. If you want to speed up the game, there's a much simpler way. Require the batter to stay in the batter's box. Once he steps into the batter's box, he stays there for the entire at-bat. no stepping out. If the batter steps out, it's an automatic strikeout.Or, okay, give the batter one step out per at-bat, but the second one gets him an automatic out. This rule requires no fancy electronics, an extra person to manage the pitch clock, and can be enforced at all levels of baseball, from Little League to MLB.

[@clarkbowen9882]

OMG ,Lindsey. Smart(Baseball-wise),intelligent, beautiful and funny. Thanks for your input on this new ruling;Poor Willie. Loved him as high school, college and MLB player. Regards from a PNW baseball guy.

[@vincentrobinette1507]

Simple solution: After the first step-off reset, if the pitcher does it again, the clock just continues its count-down. The pitcher simply needs to deliver a pitch, or, throw to a base to attempt a pick-off. The pitcher should be allowed to disengage as much as he wants, the clock should just keep running. I do feel, however, that the rules should be the same for all leagues. I like the MLB rule, which should be adopted by minor leagues, as well as the colligate leagues. (15 seconds between pitches to the same batter if no one on base, 20 seconds if runner(s) on base, and 30 seconds between at-bats) That should apply to all!

[@rickl.461]

I think the coach made a good point toward the end of the clip when he said a pitcher should be able to step off the rubber, and step back on and still deliver the pitch within the original 20 seconds. So perhaps a pitcher, if he would like to reset the clock, should be required to do more than step off the rubber--maybe taking an additional step away from the rubber, or just waving his hand the way a batter does to request time. So I think the coach is on to something here. Because if the pitcher puts his foot on the rubber at 18 seconds, it's reasonable that he might want to step off and not necessarily need a clock reset since there's still so much time remaining.

[@redbeard101272]

And what about the batter? If the batter is in the box and ready, eyes on the pitcher, and the pitcher steps off, does the batter still need to be in a ready to hit position? Or can he relax after the pitcher steps off? And if the pitcher can then step back on to deliver the pitch and the batter has relaxed, would it now be considered a quick pitch?

[@rickl.461]

@@redbeard101272 the batter could do anything he could otherwise do before his eight second requirement. The quick pitch ruling would remain the same as if the pitcher hadn't stepped off and instead simply hadn't come set yet.

[@redbeard101272]

@Rick L. ok. I agree. But say the pitcher steps off after the batter has become ready, at 13 seconds. The batter now relaxes his stance. The pitcher then engages the rubber again at 9 seconds. Now the batter has 1 second to resume his ready to hit stance or he is penalized. My point is that by not resetting the pitcher can actually gain an advantage that the batter can do nothing about. In a scenario like this, pitchers could abuse the rule and cost hitters strikes. Especially with a 3-2 count against a dangerous hitter or say, with bases loaded and 2 out. Not resetting the clock is a major advantage to pitchers.

[@JFoxman]

Amen Coach!

[@Scorpioest34]

Haha, gotta love Willie Bloomquist!

[@davegtw1482]

Willie is right. This pitch clock is RUINING the game of baseball. It is a COMPLETE joke. Get rid of it already. Game too long? Don't watch!!!

[@davegallagher5121]

So the head coach didn't know the rules of the league his team plays in.. not good

[@Fiddleback]

Seems like _someone_ wasn't as familiar with the new rules as you might expect them to be.

[@hwwelds9050]

Get rid of the pitch clock.

[@gregthegroove]

I have to agree with the coach. There’s no need to make the pitch clock faster. It actually gives me anxiety. I can only imagine anxiety players feel. I know they’ll get used to it bla bla bla. If they have their heart set on the damn pitch clock, just make a flat 25 secs. Forget runners on base. And that should be it. Throw as many times as you want over for a pick off, reset the clock. They sped up the game nicely with pitchcom device anyway.

[@TCook-yi4wu]

The problem with the rule is the clock starts when the pitcher receives the ball. Change it to once he steps on, then the clock starts. Please address how you gauge the "pitch clock" while a batter is asking for time as he settles into the box.

[@no_problem8023]

"Whoever made the rules of this pitch clock stuff is destroying the game of baseball" How overly dramatic, holy shit

[@brianmullaney6237]

How _did_ baseball ever survive all those years with no clock? I guess people had longer attention spans back then.

[@nolimitiowa]

@@brianmullaney6237 exactly, they've made baseball adjust to the TikTok generation trying to get more people interested. Pitch clock is a joke.

[@McClimber234]

​@@brianmullaney6237 1945 Ave. Game time 2hr 1975 2hr 30 min 2020 3hr 10 min

[@teebob21]

@@brianmullaney6237 Baseball didn't change. Society did. Baseball must adapt or die.

[@aviationfascination]

Coach isn’t wrong. The pitch clock is an absolute joke and is destroying the game of baseball.

[@billyleroux]

Completely absolutely F ed up baseball...

[@garygemmell3488]

What's ruining the game is coaches who can't be bothered to learn the rules. Coaches are like cops and lawyers. You can't trust anything that comes out of their mouths.

[@SeattleSpursFan1882]

Coach chose not to learn the rules, gets butthurt when he breaks the rules and gets thrown out, then comes on TV to moan about it. Pretty embarrassing, coach! Why can't people take responsibility for their actions instead of blaming everything else around them? It's so much more easier to take responsibility, learn from the mistake and be better next time. It really is.

[@ryanvannice7878]

I call BS for the coach who claimed ignorance. And he was just annoyingly whiny about the incident.

[@concernedcitizen2031]

The pitch clock is stupid, it is a system to make the game enjoyable for people who aren't patient with a baseball game lasting a long time. It is in essence making the game feel rushed and not a full thought out game as you have to rush to pitch so you don't get a penalty.

[@christianvinther7679]

The game has been too slow in some years now, big boy head coach is just getting old

[@waynehicks6478]

I played baseball and two other sports in my younger days. I love baseball the most and one thing I allways loved about baseball is that it is not a a time limit game. This pitch count absolutly sucks.

[@timsongster]

not liking the pitch clock at all

[@RoboRon1966]

great video been loving these videos you do you explain it so well thanks

[@RiccBallard]

Pitch Clock = Stupid confusing rules

[@yoyoma7672]

If they need to speed up the game so badly, why don’t they play fewer innings. ANY change they make to “speed up the game” alters the game itself so don’t get stuck on 9 innings if you want a faster game.

[@llanelli14]

I don't have an answer but I think a macro rather than a micro approach could be considered. Video tracking technology could calculate the total time a team has taken to 'pitch' nine innings (taking into consideration delays by 3rd parties) and either a penalty or reward could be applied. This would pass responsibility for achieving a 'reasonable time' to the coaching staff and players as a group. At the moment it is too much the responsibility of the pitcher and catcher.

[@tvviewer4500]

Every rule I just heard sounds so dumb

[@genmysters]

There needs to be a disengagement circle around the pitchers mound. You step outside of it then it is a disengagement. Otherwise the clock keeps going. For someone other than the pitcher to determine if you are stepping off for a break or whatever is ridiculous. So from the time you touch to rubber you need to stay on it until you pitch. Kind of nuts.

[@mulgrum]

Quick question, Lindsay: on the pick-off attempt, was that a balk? Did I miss him stepping off before throwing to first?

[@raf42]

I believe, (I'm not an expert like Lin is), that in the split second before he threw he shifted both his feet at the same time to either side of the rubber, kind of in a hopping motion. Assuming that is the case, a really good example of that was when Kershaw threw out Margot trying to steal home in 2020 world series.

[@mulgrum]

@@raf42 I don’t know the Kershaw play but I saw the same sideways hop you did. Maybe I’ve been calling this wrong, but I’ve required a step towards first in this situation because I’ve not considered this to be a legal step-off. Lin, help!

[@TwiliAutumn]

I have already fallen off the game for many years because of life. But this pitch clock is an absolute joke. They want to speed up a game that is slow by nature as it is. All the other major US sports run 2 1/2-3 hours already. Most MLB games would run the same. Most games I remember were 3ish hours, which those rare exceptions going to 4. I am a Red Sox fan and I know Red Sox/Yankee games that would go 4 hours, but that's the exception, not the rule. I think this pitch clock needs to go. It was a nice experiment to see if it will work, but I agree with the coach. Its harming the game more than doing any good to it. It's throwing off the rhythms of all those who are playing.

[@Firestorm2900]

Honestly, only change I can think of is allow the pitcher the ability to clearly signal if they wish to use their one reset per at bat then simply make it that a potential involuntary reflex or simply planting your foot wrong winds up with you getting penalized for it. Batters can signal they want a time out by raising their arm and stepping back, why doesn't the pitcher have the same ability? Why does it require a simple small movement to trigger it that can happen naturally? I think this would clear up the confusion. You don't motion to reset, you don't get it. Don't force an ump to have to decide if something needs a TO outside a normal play. It lets everyone know what's going on. And if the picture tries to use a reset the second time, then you charge him for it because it should be upto him and the catcher to keep up with that.

[@tooheysortwo]

The idea of letting the clock keep going after 1 reset is a good one. Keep the game going.

[@douglassepic9030]

The coach is exactly right!

[@holmj12]

How I would change rule: only 1 reset disengagement, after that the pitcher is allowed to step off but the clock doesn't reset and the pitcher has to start pitching motion before zero.

[@thomasboyd6242]

I think he’s correct that this type of rule is ruining the game!!!

[@briankahmar861]

the entire pitch clock would be unnecessary if umps just enforced one foot in the box in both college and mlb. the pitch clock may seem like a good idea to some, but in my opinion is gimmicky regarding auto balls and strikes and leads to moments of stupidity like this. Cmon just let the pitcher throw the pitch nobody wants to see an auto ball or strike, sorry that just isn't baseball.

[@tevinsherrill5653]

I am just WAITING for the first ejection that happens in MLB because of the pitch clock. It will be HILARIOUS.

[@felixvazquez360]

Destroying baseball

[@babyseals4872]

So basically he simply doesn’t like the rule so once his player violated the rule his goal was to gum up and muddle the game so as to try and rankle the crowd. Do this every time and maybe support goes down for rule eventually as people tire of the slowdowns the arguing causes. I wasn’t familiar with the college rules and they do seem a bit difficult to understand, in fairness

[@119Agent]

Coaches arguing shouldn’t stop the pitch count. That’ll shut them up.

[@Illbro55]

I believe the mlb timing rule is 20 with runner(s) on and 15 without

[@bralph82]

Literally admits he doesn’t know the rules

[@1969EType]

Umpires are required to take a rules exam before every season. Imagine what the game might look like if coaches were required to take an exam, too...

[@67L48]

Coaches, managers, and players rarely do. I mean, they know the 80% of regular stuff -- 3 strikes is an out, when is a hit ball fair/foul, etc. But, about half know the IFF rule, nobody knows what happens when a player bats out of order, nobody understands obstruction vs interference, balk rules are murky at best, and so on. Most of these guys just go on tribal knowledge and "common knowledge," most of which are incorrect (e.g., tie goes to the runner).

[@1969EType]

@@67L48 I always "enjoy" a batter getting hit on the hands and hearing, "Hands are part of the bat, Blue!"...uh no, no they are not.

[@67L48]

@@1969EType Yeah, that one is probably more common than even the "tie goes to the runner" bit. I've seen lots of babies and I've bought lots of bats. I've never seen a baby that had a bat attached to his hands, and I've never bought a bat that came with a pair of hands. But, somehow, hands are part of the bat. Ugh.

[@1969EType]

@@67L48 "Tie goes to the runner"...yeah, that's always a fun one. I think we stopped using that on the playground...with no umpires...in 1976. "Coach, the rulebook says the runner must acquire the base before he is tagged out or forced out. If he gets there at the same instant the tag or the force happens...is he acquiring the base before that? Has he met the rulebook definition of acquiring the base?" I've been umpiring awhile...I honestly have yet to see a tie.

[@LindsayImber1]

Me when I get 15 and 20 seconds backwards for pro's pitch clock timing rules. MLB 20 seconds - Runner(s) MLB 15 seconds - No runners

[@curtishatridge4325]

I wholeheartedly agree with Coach, the time clock is ruining the game of baseball. What I'd like to know is who are the people complaining that baseball was so unbearably slow that changes to speed things up were necessary?

[@jeffjohnston6384]

If you don't like baseball enough to watch it without a clock,then don't watch it! How much time does it save ? 15 maybe 30 minutes?

[@MrJimi16]

Not sure I like the idea that a reset isn't announced. What if the umpire thinks he has engaged, but he hasn't? At least if it is called the pitcher knows not to do another reset. I would also have a spirit of the rule problem with this one.

[@craigfoster354]

Not an avid fan of baseball largely due to the amount of time watching a game takes out of my life. For those on the fence, I think shortening the game by using a pitch clock is a good idea. Of course a major change like this needs some time for folks to fine tune the rules and everyone to adapt. Personally, I'd rather watch the game highlights in around ten minutes. This leaves me time to see Lindsey's bright comments on violations, ejections, etc.

[@jjoddo4530]

I didn't know there was a college clock too!?!? Those non-league mid-week double headers would've went so much faster back when i played!!!!

[@areguapiri]

would have "gone"...

[@Youngstomata]

So the pitch clock is suppose to speed the game up and bring in new fans. The stadium looked half empty…

[@no_problem8023]

Its a random fucking college game in march. Choose a more valid argument in more valid context and time, bud.

[@no_problem8023]

*next

[@chrissilkwood5439]

someone should track HPB this season to compare to year's prior... I have a feeling it will be higher this year.

[@fatmanchew909]

They should have some kind of signal to warn if it was a step off or not. Not too hard to adjust since it's only 1 per batter.

[@tankerdriver6329]

There is. It's a "Safe" signal with the index finger extended in each hand to signify the "1" allowed step-off. Don't know why the plate didn't signal, but the field umpires should have.

[@jackshittle]

This is the first I've heard/seen of a pitch clock. After hearing Lindsey's explanation I said (in the voice of Butthead from Beavis & Butthead) "Uhhhh, what?". As a casual watcher of baseball of almost 50 years this pitch clock thing seems like it's going to be a PITA.

[@Vandychris24]

The SEC has had a pitch clock since 2015 with zero issues. Im not sure when it expanded to the full NCAA. It is only a PITA if you are a slow working pitcher.

[@ccgb92]

Chris, imagine defending MLB's new bs rules.

[@chuckfan1]

A few things.. Manfred is not the one to "blame" on this. College baseball has had the pitch clock for a few years. This year it was tweaked a bit, one aspect, being the reset. This coach, if he didn't know about the reset, that's on him, or his A.D. There has been a massive amount of communication between the NCAA and the schools Next, if there is ANY kind of safety issue for either the pitcher OR batter, time can be called, by ANYONE, by the pitcher, by the catcher, by the batter or by the umpire. And if so, there is NO violation called, on anyone. This guy clearly didn't school himself on the rules. I umpire college in So Cal.. and all the conferences and teams, and coaches and players, are well versed in all aspects of this rule. All feedback I've received has been positive. Teams have adjusted. And game times have been shaved by 30 min avg, without any kind of affect on the game and its flow. There is another video floating on KZbin, that shows how well the clock works Side by side videos show a full half inning taking place, start to finish, all 3 outs. And the video next to it, the guy throws 1 pitch in the same time span.

[@jakebrake3000]

"I didn't know the rules...." Bloomquist

[@ryanburnham1932]

I like the college rule more than the MLB rule because it doesn't give a fast runner at firs base an easy steal after two failed pick-off attempts.

[@justinbowling6382]

I don't like the pitch clock. There's a lot more to pay attention to. I do like the limited number of disengagements per batter.

[@1dash133]

While I'm all for rules that speed up the game, I think the coach has a point. There's gotta be a better way of managing time than this. And while I commiserate with the players and coaches, I truly feel SORRY for the umpires who are forced to keep track of every single detail. What a mess!

[@carllegate8394]

They want to speed up the game yet take way too long during "reviews". There should also be a "review" clock.

[@worthycarpenter1712]

Coach stated he did not know the rule. Learn the rule.

[@thexen3120]

I'm basketball went through the "this is destroying the game" when 3 second violation, 8 second center, shot clocks all debuted. They'll get over it and the game will be better for it.

[@quartzimaging]

I say add a "Manager Interference" clock that starts to run whenever a manager approaches the field of play and starts to gripe or otherwise delays the game. Give the manager an allowance of something like 2 minutes total per game. That would makes games a whole lot quicker! The entire tradition of players or managers arguing with umpires and ensuing ejections is a stupid and childish waste of everyone's time.

[@austincooper4508]

Get used to it, Gonna see a lot more of these in the future.

[@JohnSheltz]

On a completely different note, can we talk about the uniform tops for Pac12 Umpires? Are they wearing some sort of short sleeve v neck/vest of sorts?

[@teebob21]

PU was wearing long sleeves, rolled up to 3/4 length. The base umpires appear to be wearing short-sleeve jackets.

[@JohnSheltz]

@@teebob21 Definitely not. It looks like they’re wearing some sort of Nike shortsleeve windbreaker without a collar.

[@truthbetold2567]

I don't see the problem with the rule. The manager was unaware they didn't have to give a warning. Now he knows. The pitch clock is the best thing to happen to baseball so I suggest he learn all the rules around it.

[@lorenzovaldez7491]

The pitch clock makes baseball way more interesting for me to watch!!!!!😋😋😋😋

[@rogerweir1772]

Pitchers and batters frigging around doing nothing have ruined the game....Get in the box ready to hit/pitch. Quit making excuses!

[@ryanvannice7878]

Looks like the pitch clock will be the blame this year for anything that goes wrong.

[@jasonkirby5543]

I absolutely love the pitch clock. Less boring & stops all the nonsense with wasting time. I'm sure the coach is used to all the time delay nonsense stuff. Keep the clock going!

[@asthemillertoldhistale1361]

Yeah, I can see how this is speeding up the game. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@P00katube]

The pitch clock HAS GOT TO GO, AS DOES THE DH RULE!!!!!

[@MistaRibzz]

baseball has been a great sport for over 100 years. we are only changing it for money. not for the game. SMH

[@Classicvideogames45]

Said before there going to be lot of arguments and ejections

[@PedroNord]

The new rules make a boring pastime slightly less so. Totally hilarious.