Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Pitching Question - Rule

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Watched a game last night were the pitcher would start her motion and at the top come to a complete stop and then finish the pitch. Is this legal? ?I thought that once the pitcher started their motion it had to be one continuous motion to the plate. Somebody out there that knows more than I do can you help me. Legal or illegal?

Thanks in advance.

 

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Re: Pitching Question

Once the arm motion has begun, it must be one continuous motion. Illegal.

 

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Re: Pitching Question

Prior to the pitch, the pitcher shall take a position with: (1) the pivot foot on or partially on the surface of the pitcher's plate; (2) the non pivot foot in contact with or behind the pitcher's plate. Both feet must be on the ground within or partially within the 24-inch length of the pitcher's plate. The hands must be apart.

Preliminary to pitching, the pitcher must take a position with the shoulders in line with first and third base with the ball in the glove or pitching hand, with the hands separated.

While in this position, the pitcher shall take (or simulate taking) a signal from the catcher.

After completing above, the pitcher shall bring the hands together in front of the body for not less than one second and not more than 10 seconds before releasing the ball. The hands may be motionless or moving.

The pitch starts when one hand is taken off the ball or the pitcher makes any motion that is part of the windup after the hands have been brought together.

So basically, any stopping of the pitching motion after the hands have separated is illegal.