Many hitters identify a pitch in the split-second after a pitcher releases it.

Everything occurs in less than half a second, after the pitcher releases the ball.

This instant thus occurs before the pitcher actually releases the ball.

In the 1998 tape, Bell's front leg was raised before the pitcher released the ball.

A base runner cannot begin to steal bases until the pitcher has released the ball.

And a rising fast ball doesn't really end up higher than the point from which the pitcher releases it.

By the time the pitcher releases the ball, he can see the play taking shape, but he is helpless.

As the pitcher released the ball, his arm was like the minute hand on a clock at the top of the hour.

"I stepped out of the box before the pitcher released the ball," Bell said.

To follow proper form, a pitcher releases the ball while keeping his wrist straight, then follows through fully.