Pitcher Holding Set for Too Long?

The pitcher is taking an unusually long time between delivering pitches to the batter. The offensive coach, the batter, and the fans are clamoring for action by the umpire.

1. How much time does a pitcher have to deliver a pitch:

A) 12 seconds

B) 18 seconds

C) 20 seconds

D) There is no time limit

E) It depends if there are runners on base or not

2. Which of these actions, "resets" the pitching clock (the time limit between pitches starts anew):

A) The pitcher throws to a base to attempt to pick-off a runner

B) The pitcher fakes a throw (a legal fake throw) to a base

C) The pitcher steps backward off the pitcher's plate in an attempt to get the runner to move back closer to his base

D) The batter requests time and is granted time

E) None of the above

3) What is the penalty for failing to deliver a pitch in the allotted time?

Call

With the batter in the box, the pitcher has 20 seconds to pitch or attempt a play (including a legal feint). The penalty is that a ball is awarded to the batter (NF 6-2-2c and Casebook plays 6.1.2A, 6.2.2F, and 6.2.2G). In NF, and only NF, this is true with or without runners.

The answers to the questions below are:

1 C

2 A, B, C, and D

3 A ball is awarded to the batter.