Balk or no balk?

[VolUmp]

18u summer ball.  OBR

 

2 outs.  R1.  2-2 count.

RH Pitcher comes set, R1 takes off for 2nd.

Defense yells to pitcher, "Step off!"

Instead, he wheels counterclockwise all the way around to 2B, and cocks his arm to throw.

Then, decides to run straight at R1 who is about 60 feet down the basepath.

He gets him in a quick rundown and tags him out.

 

No balk was called.  Offense wanted a balk.

 

One coach's argument was that the pitcher went to an unoccupied base.

The umpire's response, was, "FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING A PLAY" he may.

 

Another coach's argument was that the pitcher never disengaged.

The umpire's response was that he didn't have to.

 

I agree with the umpire on all counts, but the fuzzy item comes with the rulebook saying he can turn and throw in this sitch, but it fails to say he can turn then "fake" or run toward the runner.  OBR clearly states that a pitcher may turn counterclockwise and throw to 2nd for the purpose of making a play on R1 if he doesn't hesitate toward 1B along that turn.  OBR doesn't clearly state he may "not" throw it, but if he runs toward R1 who is clearly now stealing, I would interpret that as still legal, since he is never required to throw to 2nd.

 

I've watched Jim Evans's Balk Video 12 times, and find nothing in his instruction that would call this a balk.

 

Comments and interpretations please.

[Rich Ives]

You are required to throw to 1B or 3B - but not 2B.

[blue23ll]

No balk as described here.

[maven]

Step and feint to 2B to make a play on the advancing R1: legal.

 

Running at R1 after disengaging (the step to 2B disengaged him): legal.

 

No balk or other infraction.

[mstaylor]

The only caveat to his fake and running at the runner is he has to land on the second side of the rubber. If he lands in front or beside the rubber it is a balk.

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[Mike Prince]

And the whole "for the purpose of making a play" should have not come up here in any explanation to a coach.  He ran at the runner, he didn't make a throw.

 

As long as he gains distance and direction to 2B, this is a legal feint as is everything that happened after it.

[mstaylor]

And the whole "for the purpose of making a play" should have not come up here in any explanation to a coach.  He ran at the runner, he didn't make a throw.

 

As long as he gains distance and direction to 2B, this is a legal feint as is everything that happened after it.

Certainly the "for the purposes of making a play" should be in the explanation. second was not occupied so he can't feint or throw there. Once the runner breaks it becomes legal because he is attempting a play.