Pitch timing and illegal pitches
WBSC · 2026–2029After receiving the ball or the umpire’s play signal, the pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch. Exceeding that limit gives the batter a ball and makes the ball dead. This timing penalty is different from the full penalty for an illegal pitching action.
The rule
After receiving the ball or the umpire’s play signal, the pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch. Exceeding that limit gives the batter a ball and makes the ball dead. This timing penalty is different from the full penalty for an illegal pitching action.
In practice
For ordinary illegal pitching mechanics, the umpire signals a delayed dead ball. If the pitch is not hit, the batter receives an additional ball and runners advance a base. If it is hit, the result and the offense’s available choice depend on the play. An illegal pitch does not automatically erase a successful hit and all legal advances.
Sources & approach ↗