BLPLYER

Found this exception online and had someone argue it last weekend. If this were true why wouldn't a right handed pitcher pick up his left foot and inside move to 2nd and fake throw on any steal attempt? We have always been taught once he picks up his left foot he MUST go home? Also had a runner leave early from 2nd base to 3rd base and pitcher just picked up his foot and threw to 3rd baseman rather than stepping off and or doing an inside move towards 2nd. No, a pitcher cannot pick off to an unoccupied base. Doing so constitutes a balk. A balk is when a pitcher makes a move that is deceptive or intended to hinder the runner's progress, and throwing to an unoccupied base falls under that Exceptions: There are a few exceptions to the balk rule. For example, a pitcher is allowed to fake a throw to second base while in contact with the rubber, provided that he steps towards second. Additionally, if a runner is attempting to steal or advance to a base, a pitcher can throw to that base, even if it's not technically occupied.