Expert: John Priest - 5/29/2009

Question
Hi my son is 13 and plays USSA and league baseball Dixie boys or pony league. He pitches almost every game for our USSSA team and pitches every game for our league. My question is if while on the rubber he touches his hat before coming set is this a balk?

Answer
Sandy,
Below is the USSSA rule for touching your mouth or lips while on the mound.  I don't see anything in the rule book about touching your hat.
8.08.B The pitcher shall not:
   8.08.B.1 Bring his pitching hand in contact with his mouth or    
            lips while in the eighteen (18# foot circle
            surrounding the pitching rubber.
   Rule 8.08.B.1 Exception: Provided it is agreed to by both
            managers, the umpire prior to the start of
            a game played in cold weather, may permit the pitcher
            to blow on his hand.
   Rule 8.08.B.1 Penalty: For violation of this part of this rule,
            the umpires shall immediately call a ball.
            However, if the pitch is made and a batter reaches
            first #1st# base on a hit, an error, a hit batsman or
            otherwise, and no other runner is put out before
            advancing at least one #1) base, the play shall
            proceed without reference to the violation.
You can find the rules for USSSA at the following web site:
http://www.usssa.com/usssa/usssa-general/BaseballBylawsMay122009.pdf

Thank You,
John Priest