Balk question

[Guest Warriors 28]

11 year old travel baseball game. The opposing pitcher is stradeling the rubber, with his hands together, already in the set position. Then, takes a step onto the rubber, with his hands already set and in the set position. 

Is this a balk? Does it matter whether he steps on with his right foot first or his left foot first? (Righty pitcher) 

can you point to where this is in the rules, if it is/isn't a balk?

thanks

[maven]

It is not a balk. You can't point to any rule that says it's not a balk, because the rules say what is a balk. It's not in that rule, so it's not a balk.

It is prohibited, however: the technical name for this is a "don't do that." The definition of the set position specifies that the pitching hand will be by the pitcher's side or back before he comes set, and that implies that he may not engage the rubber with his hands together.

The proper mechanic for umpires is to call time, tell the pitcher "don't step on the rubber with your hands together," explain to his coach if need be, and resume play.

[noumpere]

1 hour ago, Guest Warriors 28 said:

Does it matter whether he steps on with his right foot first or his left foot first? (Righty pitcher)

Yes, this matters.  It's impossible to step on to the rubber with the left foot (for a RH pitcher in the set position).

 

To be clear, it doesn't matter to the "balk or not" question -- only to the conditions you set for the question.

[mwest5575]

I believe this is a balk under FED rules.