You make the call ....

We've all seen this play before and it gives some umps fits.

Situation:
Runner at 3rd base.
RHP on the mound in the windup position.

Pitcher breaks contact with his right foot and guns to third in the pick-off attempt.

Legal? Balk? the answer to both questions is "Yes" ....

What are you teaching the runner to look for? What does the pitcher have to do to get away with this move? What is the umpire looking at to see if the move was legal?

By definition, a balk is an attempt to deceive the runner..... but you have to have the ability to deceive the runner or they would run wild on the bases......

Have fun guys .....

 

This is a great topic.

In my opinion, it is defintely not a balk. Yes, the definition of a balk is deceiving the runner. However in this case, the pitcher steps off of the rubber, therefore he immediately gives up his ability to throw a pitch. Thus, the runner must have the awareness to notice the difference.

This is a tough topic, because I completely understand the issue of this deceiving the runner, but the pitcher is deceiving within the rules.

I have never understood some things with balks. Especially when I will be taking a sign from the catcher and while the ball is in my glove and I am hunched over, I have a tendency to swing my arm. Many umpires have warned or not warned or just called me for a balk on this. I have never understood how I was deceiving the runner by doing this, but I am sure there is a reason for this.

Back to the original question, I still say that a pitcher stepping off of the rubber completely makes it a legal move for the previous reason. For the same reason that you can step off and fake pick to first, but you cannot just turn and fake. Because as soon as you step off, you cannot throw home and the runner must recognize it.

Just my opinion, I am interested in the opinions of everybody else, but mainly "non-pitchers" because I think that a majority of us pitchers will argue that it is a legal move.

 

Up ... you're right ... and you're wrong ...

Even though you have stepped off with the right foot, you can't have broken your hands before you break contact with the rubber. When you break contact with your hands first, you're committed to going home.

SO .... for you baserunners ..... it's not just the feet, it's the hands too........

The umps try (sometimes unsucessfully) to see all of the motion and not just which foot is used. Until you have sucessfully broken contact with the rubber, you cannot make any move that resembles a "pitching motion", like bring your hands over your head while still in your glove, (i.e. Greg Maddox). Once you've done that, then the intent to deceive is on and the balk is called.

 

Good points NC... what is your opinion without the "rule book in your hand though?" From just a baseball ebthusiasts view, what is your opinion?

 

It's perfectly legal .... and the rule book has to be in your head ... not just in your hand....

If you break contact with your foot first, you're another infielder and can do anything you desire with the ball ..... including throwing it to home if the runner breaks towards home.

 

Haha... I hear ya NC.

Thanks for your opinion.

 

I have a question...I still don't understand why the " fake to third and throw to first" is not a balk?....when the whole intention is too deceive the runner at first.

 

Good question:

Under the definition of the rules, you can fake to any base EXCEPT 1st base. Once you have made the step towards thirdbase from the stretch SUCESSFULLY, you are just another infielder and can throw (or not throw) the ball anywhere you want.

That's the reason why it's allowed. I'm not a fan of the move either.

 

That is funny that you mentioned that Braves, we worked on that very move today in pratcice and Coach Fox shared both of your opinions in saying that he says if that is not deceiving the runner, he doesnt know what is, but until they change the rule, our pitchers will master it. Just thought I would throw that in.

 

:xyzthumbs.....Coach Fox is a wise man