What is deemed an illegal action by a pitcher during their motion to pitch?

The option that identifies an illegal action by a pitcher during their motion to pitch involves pausing for a couple of seconds with their hands together above the head. In baseball, the rules stipulate that once the pitcher begins their delivery, they must not make any sudden pauses or interruptions in their motion. Specifically, while in the pitching position, all movements must be continuous to ensure that batters are not unduly distracted or penalized by a pitcher’s unexpected delay. This requirement helps maintain the pace of the game and keeps the play fair for both the batter and the pitcher.

In contrast, taking too long in the stretch, changing grip on the ball, and stepping back from the pitcher's plate are generally permissible actions within certain constraints. For example, while a pitcher is advised to maintain a reasonable tempo, a minimal pause does not automatically constitute a violation unless it exceeds the allowed limit or interrupts the delivery. Changing grips is also a common practice, and stepping back can occur as part of the pitcher's motion without crossing the legal baseline. Understanding these nuances is essential for umpires to enforce the rules fairly during a game.