Balk call on fake pickoff move to 3rd?

[Guest Jim]

In a game last night we had a man on 3rd.  The pitcher is in the set position, picks up his left leg (right hander) and steps directly towards third, and making a throwing motion - but stops short of throwing the ball.  I immediately called for a balk, as did my 3rd base coach, and the umpire agreed.  However, the chief umpire told me I'm wrong and that the only base(s) the pitcher must throw to if he steps towards them are first and home.  I'd argue a fake throw to third from the set is a balk.  Am I wrong?

 

Thanks!

[grayhawk]

What rule set?

 

In straight OBR, a feint to third is not legal from either the set or the windup (it was legal prior to 2013).    Some organizations have adopted this rule and others have not.  For example, it's still legal in Little League.

 

In NFHS (Fed) rules, a feint to third is still legal, though you can't pick to any base from the windup.

[law_reb]

Under FED rules you are alowed to fake to 3rd.  Under OBR you may not fake to 3rd any longer.  So, to answer the question we would need to know under what rule set you were playing.

[Guest Jim]

We moved from Babe Ruth (2013) to Little League.  So I guess it's not a balk under the LL rules.  Sigh... it should be!