The introduction of the Pitch Clock is intended to shorten these pauses, making the games more dynamic and appealing to the audience. This not only speeds up the progress of the games, but also keeps the excitement and attention of the spectators.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE PITCH CLOCK MEAN?
The Pitch Clock is a timer that determines how long the pitcher has to do the next pitch. In Major League Baseball (MLB), the default is set at 15 seconds when there are no runners on base, and 20 seconds when there are runners on base. During Baseball Week, a 20-second limit applies only when there are no runners on base. This is in line with WBSC rules.
The Pitch Clock will be prominently placed in the stadium so that both players and spectators can see how much time remains before the next pitch. If the pitcher does not throw the ball in time, a walk is awarded to the batter. This can be strategically detrimental to the defending team, which encourages pitchers to keep the pace high.
Not only do time limits apply between pitches but also at other times in the game:
- Twenty (20) sec between pitches (only without runners, from receiving the ball near the mound).
- The pitcher’s visit from the coach/manager is set for a maximum of thirty (30) seconds (from crossing the foul line).
- Pitcher change is set at ninety (90) seconds (from getting out of bullpen).
- Between the inning clock is set to one hundred and twenty (120) sec. (from when the defending pitcher crosses the foul line).
With the introduction of the pitch clock, Baseball Week underscores its payoff; The Future of Baseball!