Holding the ball in the set position

[Umpire in Chief]

FED rules: 6-1-3

For the set position, the pitcher shall have the ball in either his gloved hand or his pitching hand. His pitching hand shall be down at his side or behind his back.

My question is... I have seen a few pitchers who hold the ball in their pitching hand, but keep the ball on the front of their thigh.

I have not balked this, but believe this to be a balk as the intent of the rule is to have either the ball or the pitchers throwing hand visible to the runners. Thus not having it visible is an intent to deceive.

Have you seen this and do you think it is an intent to deceive?

[Kyle_Stevens]

Are you talking about before or after he has come set?

Before coming set?

Yes, I have seen this and (the pitchers I have seen) are not intending to deceive. I did not balk this; however, one of the pitchers I saw I balked because he dropped the ball, twice. I honestly don't think they are trying to gain anything by doing this. Is this a balk by the book? I think so, but this could be OOO, unless his hand is near the groin area.

After coming set?

No, I haven't seen this.

[Umpire in Chief]

Before he comes set.

I have not balked it as I don't want to go looking for the dirty end of the stick, but was thinking what if a coach said something and asked me to enforce it.

[LMSANS]

This is like the gorilla-arm. In my mind, it is technically a balk, but I don't call it. I will inform the coach (usually between innings)that it is technically a balk and that there are umpires that will call it. That usually causes an adjustment for the rest of the game.

[Kyle_Stevens]

This is like the gorilla-arm.

I have heard gorilla arm but don't know exactly what it is. Can you explain?

Thanks!

[Umpire in Chief]

Here is a pretty good video.

Notice the swinging arm. Also, pitchers will bend way over nearly dragging the arm on the ground.

Our association has instructed that the gorilla arm is legal until there is an intent to deceive very much like the video shows.