In the set pitching position, the pitcher shall stand with his entire non-pivot foot in front of a line extending through the front edge of the pitcher's plate and with his ______ in contact with or directly in front of and ______ to the pitcher's plate.

• A. entire toe and perpendicular
• B. pivot foot and close
• C. heel and perpendicular
• D. pivot foot and parallel

Answer: (D)

In the set position, the pitcher must establish a stable base by having the pivot foot on or directly in front of the pitcher's plate and oriented parallel to the plate. This placement keeps the pivot foot in contact with (or right in front of) the plate and ensures it points in line with the rubber, not at an angle. The non-pivot foot remains entirely in front of a line drawn through the front edge of the plate, giving a clear, legal stance before the delivery.

Why this fits best: parallel alignment of the pivot foot to the plate is the precise requirement, and contact with the plate keeps the pivot foot registered on the rubber. Other options describe incorrect contact points (toe or heel) or wrong orientation (perpendicular or only "close"), which do not meet the rule for the set position.