Judging "direct step" to first by a RH pitcher

[umpire_scott]

Had a play the other day in a game where the RH pitcher threw over to first base.  He did not disengage, nor did he do the jump turn thing.  Here is how it went:

 

DC:  That's a balk he has to step off to throw to first.

ME: No he doesn't coach.  He would have to step off to feint to first

DC: Well he has to gain clearance from the rubber in order to turn and he didn't.

ME: He only needs to step directly towards first base, I had him doing that.

 

So how is this to be judged?  I know the rule simply states F1 has to step directly towards first base.  But the jump step came into vogue for some reason.  I assume it was because pitcher's were getting balked because it was judged that they had some movement towards HP if they didn't "gain clearance" from the rubber?

[noumpere]

The free foot must gain distance.

 

The pivot foot can stay on the rubber (and pivot), or be moved in a jab step, or be moved in a jump turn.

[maven]

Jump turn and jab step are quicker.

 

We judge stepping "directly to the base" based on distance and direction. The free foot must move some distance from its position before the step (leave the footprint), and the foot most move more toward 1B than toward any other base (45° leeway each way from 1B).

[grayhawk]

The free foot must gain distance.

 

The pivot foot can stay on the rubber (and pivot), or be moved in a jab step, or be moved in a jump turn.

 

Just to clarify, the pivot doesn't have to move - it can remain on the rubber without pivoting.

[noumpere]

 

The free foot must gain distance.

 

The pivot foot can stay on the rubber (and pivot), or be moved in a jab step, or be moved in a jump turn.

 

Just to clarify, the pivot doesn't have to move - it can remain on the rubber without pivoting.

 

Correct -- but it's very difficult to do so and would not happen in practice.  It's why the foot is called the "pivot foot."

 

And, note that the jab step and jump turn are (or were, I haven't checked recently) contrary to the literal written rule.  The only move that used to be allowed was the pivot and throw (or, obviously, the disengage).

[grayhawk]

 

 

The free foot must gain distance.

 

The pivot foot can stay on the rubber (and pivot), or be moved in a jab step, or be moved in a jump turn.

 

Just to clarify, the pivot doesn't have to move - it can remain on the rubber without pivoting.

 

Correct -- but it's very difficult to do so and would not happen in practice.  It's why the foot is called the "pivot foot."

 

And, note that the jab step and jump turn are (or were, I haven't checked recently) contrary to the literal written rule.  The only move that used to be allowed was the pivot and throw (or, obviously, the disengage).

 

 

I agree.  You almost never see it, but I could see poorly informed umpires balking it because it looks weird.

[MidAmUmp]

Look for him to step out of his footprint, towards 1st.

[DVA7130]

RHP throwing to first similar to a LHP, but in reverse is legal as described.

This play ended in two ejections last time I saw it.

Distance and direction without committing to pitch.