There already is a pitch clock in softball...

Posted on: September 20, 2023 at 15:22:55 CT

Currently from the time the pitcher receives the ball, the hitter and catcher must be in position to receive the pitch within 10 seconds. Then the pitcher has 10 seconds to bring their hands together while receiving the signal regarding which kind of pitch to throw. Then the pitcher has 5 additional seconds to deliver the pitch, for a total of 25 seconds.

All the new rule does time wise is reduce the 25 seconds to 20 seconds.

The hitter now must still be in the box ready to receive the pitch within 10 seconds of the pitcher receiving the ball. But the pitcher now must be beginning their windup within 10 seconds (not 15), or else a ball will be awarded to the hitter.

Not really a huge difference.

Also, teams will have an option of using a visible action clock counting down the time. If not, the umpires will keep and monitor the time.

I think it’s a good rule. Is it the most important out there? Probably not. Rules on obstruction, and on illegal pitching, are more important in the grand scheme of things. But the pitch clock change from 25 to 20 seconds is good. Btw the obstruction rules have been tweaked too for the 2024 season.