jump turns

[carolinablue]

I have seen this a couple of times this season. F1 ( righty ) from the set position will execute what appears to be a jump turn except that his back foot ( contact foot ) will land behind the rubber as if he has disengaged, and then feint to first. I'm thinking this is a balk because he does not clearly step back behind the rubber prior to making his move to first. It looks exactly like a jump turn except for where his back foot lands. Is this a balk ?

[mstaylor]

Yes it is. To legally disengage, he has to step back then turn. If he jump turn he can land behind, in front, beside or even on top of the rubber. No matter where he lands it is a jump turn and he has to throw. You see it again, balk him. Just make sure when the coach asks you tell him, jump turn, he's still engaged. That is all the explanation he needs.

[carolinablue]

The first time I saw it , I let it go being unsure ? A few games later I saw it again and balked him. The coach had a fit as it was a big call in a close game, but I gave him the same explaination you said. It was one of those things where you are 95 % sure you are right, thanks for giving me the other 5%.

[mstaylor]

Not a problem.

[JaxRolo]

I have made this call a couple of times this season, Jump turn, no throw = BALK

[ukce1861]

Isn't a jump turn a balk, regardless of the throw? I thought he had to step toward the base unless he disengaged...

[jnazz]

Jump turn is ok if he throws.

[okump96]

Jump turn is ok if he throws.

and his free foot gains distance towards first.

[BrianC14]

and his free foot gains distance towards first.

Very important point made here by OKump. No distance = balk, whether he throws it or not.

[Umpire in Chief]

And be sure to watch b/c sometimes they fade away and don't gain distance.

[tjthresh]

I don't understand. Gain distance?

If F1's free foot is say in the center of the pitcher's plate to begin, then is on the right edge of the pitcher's plate when he throws, is this enough to be considered gaining distance?

[JaxRolo]

I don't understand. Gain distance?

If F1's free foot is say in the center of the pitcher's plate to begin, then is on the right edge of the pitcher's plate when he throws, is this enough to be considered gaining distance?

I would think so.

I'd be hard pressed to call a balk if the F1 throws unless it was really obvious that he didn't gain distance. It could happen.

[mstaylor]

Sometimes to make the move faster they come down in the same spot, just turned, so they have direction but no distance. As Warren says, sometimes they even fade backwards.

A jump or a jab step are both considered legal although technically they aren't. Both are considered an engaged move.

[fbara]

I know that in FED at least, the non-pivot foot has to touch the ground before the pitcher throws the ball (6-2.4b). It this true for the jump turn also? Should I be watching for the non-pivot foot to hit the ground prior to or at the same time as the throw?

frank

[mstaylor]

No, you are correct on a disengagement but on a jump turn he will go up with both feet turn and land with both feet at the same time. A disengagement requires him to step back and land before he cuts the ball loose. This can be done almost simultaniously but the foot should be down first. Just don't hold him to setting his foot down, then turning and throwing.

[BrianC14]

No, you are correct on a disengagement but on a jump turn he will go up with both feet turn and land with both feet at the same time. A disengagement requires him to step back and land before he cuts the ball loose. This can be done almost simultaniously but the foot should be down first. Just don't hold him to setting his foot down, then turning and throwing.

This is something that a lot of lefty's try to get away with; they'll start to disengage, and simultaneously snap a throw to 1B. With this move, the foot usually comes down as F3 is catching the throw. :no:

[noumpere]

I know that in FED at least, the non-pivot foot has to touch the ground before the pitcher throws the ball (6-2.4b). It this true for the jump turn also? Should I be watching for the non-pivot foot to hit the ground prior to or at the same time as the throw?

frank

Yes. I'm reasonably sure this is in the Evans balk video.

That said, give the benefit of the doubt to the pitcher.

[BrianC14]

Yes. I'm reasonably sure this is in the Evans balk video.

That said, give the benefit of the doubt to the pitcher.

Why? If he's balked, CALL IT.

[mstaylor]

Why give them the benefit of the doubt, they cheat, they whine and they are weird. Balk em. :no:

[kwiggie]

they cheat, they whine and they are weird. Balk em.

Yes they do!, yes they will, and yes they are....

[Umpire in Chief]

I think what noumpere is saying is if you're not absolutely certain it is a balk don't call it. Very much like the you can't call a balk just because it's weird thread.

[mstaylor]

I agree, I just like busting on pitchers. Catchers are nuts and pitchers are odd. :shrug: