Definition: The rubber is a small, rectangular white slab made of hard rubber located at the very top of the pitcher’s mound. The pitcher must keep one foot in contact with the rubber while throwing the ball to make the pitch legal.
The rubber serves as the starting point for every play. It ensures that the pitcher stays exactly 60 feet and 6 inches away from home plate, preventing them from “cheating” by stepping too close to the batter. If a pitcher makes a move toward home without their foot touching the rubber, it can be called a “balk,” which is a penalty that allows runners to move up a base.
Example: The pitcher wiped the dirt off the rubber with his shoe before stepping on it to start the next play.
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