RHP pickoff to 1st - stepping to first without disengaging

[Guest graham]

RHP in set position from stretch.  Runner on 1st.  RHP steps directly toward first base without disengaging from the rubber.  The step is led by the back of the left heel and the foot consistently gains direction and distance toward first.  Legal pickoff or balk?  

The natural pitching motion of the kid is to lift is left leg up, in front of torso, and then stride to home.  The umpire stated that, during the pickoff move, the kid's left foot and knee moves in the opposite direction of his normal pitching motion, there is no deceit to deliver the ball to the plate.  What say you?

[Rich Ives 1,012]

9 minutes ago, Guest graham said:

RHP in set position from stretch.  Runner on 1st.  RHP steps directly toward first base without disengaging from the rubber.  The step is led by the back of the left heel and the foot consistently gains direction and distance toward first.  Legal pickoff or balk?  

The natural pitching motion of the kid is to lift is left leg up, in front of torso, and then stride to home.  The umpire stated that, during the pickoff move, the kid's left foot and knee moves in the opposite direction of his normal pitching motion, there is no deceit to deliver the ball to the plate.  What say you?

If he stepped directly to 1B it's legal. Disengaging is not required.

[noumpere 2,702]

Does a LH pitcher have to disengage to throw to first?  No.

Do the rules have different requirements for a RH pitcher and a LH pitcher?  No.

So, can a RH pitcher throw to first without disengaging?  Yes.

 

(Note that when a pitcher goes to / toward the balance point, the rules *might seem* to be different -- a LH pitcher can then throw to first; a RH pitcher cannot.  But,  the difference is not in the rule -- it's in the base being faced.  A RH pitcher can go to / toward the balance point and throw to third (assuming it's occupied, or a runner is attempting or feinting an advance); a LH pitcher cannot.  Same rule.)

[Cav 186]

Baseball myth #37:  The pitcher must step off the rubber before a pick-off throw.