The game of college baseball is going to look quite different, at least for the SEC. It was announced on Tuesday that there are three new rules being put in place on top of the new run rule. More on that in a moment.
First up we have a between-batters clock that should help speed up the pace of games. There will be a new 30-second clock that will be started following the conclusion of the previous play. Batters will have 30 seconds to get into the batter’s box for the next pitch.
Between Batters Clock: A 30-second timer between hitters shall start at the conclusion of the prior play as indicated by the umpire’s final signal of “safe” or “out”, or other clear indication that the prior play has concluded. Consistent with NCAA pitch clock protocols, the batter shall be alert to the pitcher with 10 seconds or more remaining and the pitcher shall begin the motion to deliver the first pitch of the at-bat prior to the expiration of the 30-second clock.
Keeping the 30-second timer consistent, there is now a limit for a mound visit. However, if it is to evaluate a medical issue, there will be no timer.
Mound Visit Clock: A 30-second timer on a mound visit shall begin when a coach exits the dugout or when a defensive player leaves their position to visit the pitcher’s mound. Unless the coach signals for a pitching change, the coach must leave the mound when (or before) the timer expires. The mound visit clock shall not operate when a doctor or trainer accompanies a coach to evaluate a medical issue. Upon expiration of the 30-second clock, the 20-second NCAA pitch clock shall commence.
The final initiative will involve a pitching change. There will be a timer of two minutes and 20 seconds.
Pitching Change Clock: A 2:30 (2 minutes and 30 seconds) timer on a pitching change shall begin when a new pitcher who is entering the game, either at the start of an inning or as part of a mid-inning pitching change, crosses the warning track (or otherwise leaves the bullpen area if the bullpen is on the playing field). Upon expiration of the clock, the NCAA 20-second pitch clock shall commence.
These new initiatives will begin this season along with the new 10-run rule for conference baseball games. However, in nonconference games, if the opposing coach doesn’t consent to the run rule the game will be played in its entirety.
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