The clock is ticking at the 2023 College World Series. Literally.
Unlike MLB, which first implemented it ahead of the 2023 season, the NCAA has used a pitch clock for 13 seasons, dating to 2011. Don't be surprised if CWS games move a little faster than their professional counterparts.
In addition, the NCAA has made rule changes surrounding the pitch clock and "action clock" between half-innings this year, further accelerating the pace of play. Whether MLB will follow suit in the future remains to be seen, but it's clear college baseball has been the forerunner in speeding up the game.
Here's everything you need to know about the NCAA's pitch clock, including tweaks made for the 2023 season, ahead of the College World Series:
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Does college baseball have a pitch clock?
The NCAA has used a pitch clock for all divisions since the 2011 season. The organization made the clock mandatory across college baseball after the Southeastern Conference experimented with it for the 2010 season.
The NCAA implemented two clock rules at the start of the 2011 season: a 20-second clock for pitchers to deliver the ball with no runners on base; and a 90-second clock between innings. Batters were directed to be in the batter's box and alert to the pitcher with no fewer than five seconds remaining on the clock; otherwise, they would be warned once and then assessed a strike after that. A pitcher would be warned for a first offense and then assessed a ball for subsequent violations.
The NCAA tweaked the rules for the 2020 season, implementing a 120-second clock between innings while also directing umpires to enforce the pitch clock rule more consistently.
The organization further tweaked its rules ahead of the 2023 season, most notably expanding the pitch clock to pitches with runners on base and addressing the number of pickoff throws and step-offs.
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Here is a breakdown of the changes, per the NCAA:
- Pitchers must start their pitching motion or pickoff attempt to avoid a clock violation.
- Pitchers have one step-off or fake throw per batter to reset the clock.
- Subsequent step-offs or fake throws will not reset the pitch clock.
- If the defense is granted a timeout by an umpire, it counts as a step-off or fake throw for the player at bat.
- If the pitcher violates the pitch clock, a ball will be added to the count.
- Pitchers will no longer receive warnings for first violation.
- Pitchers can no longer make unlimited step-offs or fake throws.
- If the batter violates the pitch clock, a strike will be added to the count.
The NCAA also approved requirements for at least one "action clock" to be visible on the field by Jan. 1, 2024, for all Division I games. Divisions II and III have until Jan. 1, 2025. They do not have to be permanently affixed to a place in the stadium, but they should be visible to the field umpire, who is responsible for monitoring the clock and related rules.
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How does college baseball's pitch clock differ from MLB's pitch clock?
MLB in 2023 implemented a pitch clock to address pace-of-play issues. It has had a noticeable effect on game length. There are some deviations from the college rule worth noting.
Per MLB:
- A 30-second timer between batters is used.
- Pitchers have 15 seconds between pitches when bases are empty; if runners are on base, they have 20 seconds between pitches.
- Pitchers must begin their pitching motion before the expiration of the pitch timer; violations incur an automatic ball.
- Batters must be in the box and alert to the pitcher by the 8-second mark; violations incur an automatic strike.
- With runners on base, the timer resets if the pitcher attempts a pickoff or steps off the rubber.
- Pitchers are limited to two disengagements per batter; the limit is reset if a runner or runners advance during the plate appearance.
- If a pitcher attempts a third pickoff, the runner automatically advances one base if it is unsuccessful.
