Q:  Hybrid pitching position, is its illegal for a pitcher out of the windup to start with his non-pivot foot in front of the rubber.  It needs to start behind the imaginary line extending through the pitchers plate.  If violation occurs, and warning is issued.  Any time after that it is ruled a ball or a balk if runners are on base.  What I don't understand is the competitive advantage of this position, and why it is even a focus.  I have several pitchers who like to start with their foot forward and actually step forward on their wind up instead of back, but they have change that simple motion now.

A:  Rule 6-1-2 and 6-1-3 state there are two legal pitching positions, windup and set. The reason the hybrid is not a legal position, it does not meet the requirements of either the windup or set position. The rationale for this is to eliminate any confusion or circumvention of the pitching rule by either the pitcher or coach. Also, to emphasize the pivot and non-pivot foot requirement to be in a legal position. Since it is not a set or windup position, it is illegal. The ball is dead immediately when an illegal pitch occurs. If there is no runner, a ball is awarded to the batter. If there is a runner, such illegal act is a balk.