An Old Trick.... a New Balk?

[Jocko]

Hey Mods, someone rename this topic "Trivial Pursuit"

[guitarplaya2007]

Just talked about this exact rule at Wendelstedt yesterday, the rule if changed will be that a feint to third from the rubber will be treated the same as a feint to first. We should know by the end of school whether or not the rule will be implemented this year... only thing keeping it from going on the books is the players union as of now.

[SnareDrum]

Just talked about this exact rule at Wendelstedt yesterday, the rule if changed will be that a feint to third from the rubber will be treated the same as a feint to first. We should know by the end of school whether or not the rule will be implemented this year... only thing keeping it from going on the books is the players union as of now.

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Thanks! That's kinda' how I thought they would treat it. Now, it's just the waiting game for OBR 2013. Best of luck at the remainder of school!!

[guitarplaya2007]

The school just came to us today and said that the third to first move has been made "illegal" per OBR now we are waiting on brian gorman (mlb umpire and rules comittee member) to give us the official interpretation along with several other new rules changes for 2013

[Richvee]

The school just came to us today and said that the third to first move has been made "illegal" per OBR now we are waiting on brian gorman (mlb umpire and rules comittee member) to give us the official interpretation along with several other new rules changes for 2013

Thanks for the update. Interested to see the exact wording.  

[Jocko]

Ditto

[BT_Blue]

Yeh, I had heard that the player union put a one year block on the new rule last year. This year they couldn't stop it from coming in.

[SnareDrum]

The school just came to us today and said that the third to first move has been made "illegal" per OBR now we are waiting on brian gorman (mlb umpire and rules comittee member) to give us the official interpretation along with several other new rules changes for 2013

Thanks for the update. Interested to see the exact wording.  

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Thanks Becker! I'm curious about the wording as well. I'm sure they'll keep it simple...

 

[James Walker]

http://m.si.com/1283864/mlb-nixes-fake-pickoff-move-will-now-call-a-balk/

Just read this. Guess there gonna be some pi$$ed daddy coaches when you balk little Johnny. This is gonna be fun. :fuel:

[BT_Blue]

There's extenuating circumstances to the rule. Looking forward to the exact wording from the book and definitely looking forward to summer ball when we use OBR.

[Rook23]

I've often wondered why MLB would force a rule when the players have spoken so strongly against it?  Don't site PEDS because that's apples to oranges.  Is it really that annoying over the course of 1 in 5 games you see it in the MLB?  Will it really make that big of a difference in the avg game time?  

 

From a HS down perspective, I actually love the move when coached correctly.  Everybody and their mother knows the kid is stealing 2nd in a 1st/3rd situation.  You time the 3/1 move at the same time the runner plans on stealing, you have a chance to get out of a jam - or at least the chaos that ensus on potential run downs is entertaining. It beats the catcher just holding the ball on the pitch or doing some stupid fake that never, ever works. 

 

As far as feints to 3rd, again, when coached properly it can be a great weapon in a squeeze situation.  I think it can also circumvent some dangerous situations.  Instead of throwing at the batter's head on a squeeze, you give a feint to 3rd and sometimes you luck into an out. 

[KLAH316]

Just received this email from one of my assigners:

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, the often used fake to third and first move is now a balk.  The pitcher can still fake to 2nd base but he can no longer fake to third and throw to first.  Effective immediately this rule shall be enforced at all USSSA and MSBL games.  This rule is a rule in OBR and not high school (federation) or college. 

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There was no further explanation sent to us on this. Im looking forward to the first time it happens.

[mrumpiresir]

Well the rule had better be in the rule book before I would attempt to enforce it else a $hit$torm would follow.

[KLAH316]

I definitely want to see the rule in black and white.

[SnareDrum]

Yes. It's been approved, but it would indeed be wise to have the rule printed first before enforcing it. 2013 OBR should be out very soon. MLB Spring Training games start on/around Feb. 22nd, so it will have to be in print and online way before then, 

[BT_Blue]

Well the rule had better be in the rule book before I would attempt to enforce it else a $hit$torm would follow.

 

I know we don't usually talk rules at the plate meeting, but an early season "reminder" there might be good. That way when you bang this balk and they start yelling you can tell them that you talked about it at the plate meeting.

[johnnyg08]

Well the rule had better be in the rule book before I would attempt to enforce it else a $hit$torm would follow.

 

I know we don't usually talk rules at the plate meeting, but an early season "reminder" there might be good. That way when you bang this balk and they start yelling you can tell them that you talked about it at the plate meeting.

 

 

They're responsible for knowing the rules just like us.  For me, I don't plan to discuss the rule change.  

 

I do want to see it in print first.

[scrounge]

I agree, they're responsible. But if it's a youth travel game with daddy coaches using OBR rules (fairly rare around here, which mostly use modified NFHS) then I'd probably make a quick mention at the plate meeting, simply to avoid a yelling match later as some preventative officiating.

[johnnyg08]

I agree, they're responsible. But if it's a youth travel game with daddy coaches using OBR rules (fairly rare around here, which mostly use modified NFHS) then I'd probably make a quick mention at the plate meeting, simply to avoid a yelling match later as some preventative officiating.

 

 

I can see that side too.  Good points.

[JaxRolo]

I agree, they're responsible. But if it's a youth travel game with daddy coaches using OBR rules (fairly rare around here, which mostly use modified NFHS) then I'd probably make a quick mention at the plate meeting, simply to avoid a yelling match later as some preventative officiating.

 

I agree but on the other hand once you call it the first time they will learn.

[SnareDrum]

One step closer to seeing it in (OBR) black & white.

 

Close Call Sports: Official: Popular Fake to 3rd Pickoff Move Now Illegal

[guitarplaya2007]

Ok finally got the interpretation the rule will be the same as a throw to first, a step to third from the rubber will require a throw to third base. So there will be no semantics and or circumventing of the rule as i'm sure players would try to do if the rule were worded any other way.

[johnnyg08]

Ok finally got the interpretation the rule will be the same as a throw to first, a step to third from the rubber will require a throw to third base. So there will be no semantics and or circumventing of the rule as i'm sure players would try to do if the rule were worded any other way.

 

In affect in MLB this year?  2013?  

[SnareDrum]

Ok finally got the interpretation the rule will be the same as a throw to first, a step to third from the rubber will require a throw to third base. So there will be no semantics and or circumventing of the rule as i'm sure players would try to do if the rule were worded any other way.

 

In affect in MLB this year?  2013?  

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Looks like it. I still haven't seen an OBR 2013 in print or online yet. But if they're teaching the rule and interps at ump school...

 

I guess (hope) we'll get more confirmation soon.

[johnnyg08]

Rule book will not be online until around April, maybe later.