Baseball Windup Position Rules
Pitchers have two ways of legally delivering a pitch to a batter in the game of baseball: the set position or stretch and the windup position. The windup position is often used when there are no runners on base. The windup position occurs when the pitcher has their back toward center field and their shoulders facing the batter.
Definition
The windup position is one of the two legal pitch deliveries in baseball, often used when they are no runners on base. The windup occurs when the pitcher’s back is facing center field and their shoulders are in some way facing the batter. Next, the pitcher will either step back or step to the side with their “free foot.” The free foot is the left foot of a right-handed pitcher, and the right foot of a left-handed pitcher. After this, the pitcher pushes off the pitching rubber and delivers the pitch to the batter.
The windup position varies greatly between different pitchers. Some pitchers choose to put their hands over their heads as they deliver the pitch. Others chose to rock their free foot to the side to create momentum.
Penalty
There is no penalty for not using the windup position as long as the pitcher uses the set position, which is a different legal pitching delivery. If a pitcher decides to use an illegal pitching delivery, such as delivering a pitch without contacting the pitching plate, they will be called for a balk or automatic ball, depending on whether there are runners on base. Some pitchers chose to never use the windup position, which is completely legal.
If a pitcher uses an illegal pitching delivery with runners on base it is deemed a balk by the umpires. This allows each base runner to move up one base.
Examples
Right-handed pitcher: This pitcher faces the batter with their shoulders with their back facing center field. They use their free foot or his left foot to step either back or to the side. They then pivot their right foot and push off the pitching plate to deliver the pitch.
Left-handed pitcher: This pitcher faces the batter with their shoulders with their back facing center field. They use their free foot or his right foot to step either back or to the side. They then pivot their left foot and push off the pitching plate to deliver the pitch.
History
Both the windup position and the set position have always been a part of the game of baseball. The look windup position has varied immensely over the years. In the early days of baseball, pitchers would swing their arms back and forth to generate more momentum to home plate, and had to pitch from a “pitcher’s box.” Now, pitchers are mostly simple with their windup deliveries off of the pitcher’s mound.
Helpful Links
Similar Rules to Windup Position Rules
- Set Position Rules
- Balk Rules
- Pitcher Disengagement Rules
FAQ
What is the windup position in baseball?
The windup position is one of the two legal pitch deliveries in baseball, often used when they are no runners on base. The windup occurs when the pitcher’s back is facing center field and their shoulders are in some way facing the batter. The pitcher next will either step back or step to the side with their “free foot.” The free foot is the left foot of a right-handed pitcher, and the right foot of a left-handed pitcher. Next, the pitcher will pivot their other foot, then push off the pitching plate or the rubber and deliver the pitch to the batter.