Balk Rule

[sthomas13100]

Gentlemen, first year umpire at the high school level.  We had a very spirited discussion at our association meeting last night. 

 

Question:  Right-handed pitcher in the stretch, pitcher comes set, with his no movement in the right foot, steps with his left foot towards first.  Simply said, pivots and throws to first.  At least half the guys said this is legal, I do not agree!

 

Can I have your opinion and thoughts with some rule language.  I think this a easy balk call, but we couldn't agree as an association?

 

FED rules.

 

Thank You

[TheRockawayKid]

This is legal. 

 

Rule 6-1-3: "... the pitcher may turn on his pivot foot or lift it in a jump turn to step with the non-pivot foot toward a base while throwing or feinting... or he may lift his pivot foot in a step backward off the pitcher's plate... "

 

From the stretch, he is able to step directly to any base in order to make a play on a runner. Such a play is NOT allowed from the windup in FED rules (but is in OBR). 

[noumpere]

It's legal.  There's no requirement for the pivot foot to step (although it often does) -- that's why it's called the pivot foot.

[goody14]

Out of curiosity, what were the arguments for this being illegal?

[sthomas13100]

Simulating a motion towards home.

 

What may be a possible issue, FED defines the set position, "From the set position, the pitcher shall have the ball in either his gloved hand or his pitching hand.  His pitching hand .................."

 

Most guys would consider the set position as when he bring the ball hand and glove together and comes "set".

 

From my definition, I just don't see how its possible to move my leg towards first without going towards home first?

 

We were split down the middle, I don't mind being wrong, but a jump pivot and a jab step were the only two moves I was taught as being legal when playing, other than stepping off with the pivot foot.

[Rich Ives]

 

 

We were split down the middle, I don't mind being wrong, but a jump pivot and a jab step were the only two moves I was taught as being legal when playing, other than stepping off with the pivot foot.

 

You aren't old enough. Those were both illegal once upon a time. The step to first has always been legal.

[Pops]

If lefties can do it, so can righties!

[Pops]

Simulating a motion towards home.

 

 

From my definition, I just don't see how its possible to move my leg towards first without going towards home first?

I think if the left leg moved upwards and toward home first I would balk him. But if the left leg steps immediately toward first, that's legal.

[sthomas13100]

Rich:

 

You can't make an assumption, just because this is my first year.  Over 50, and yes sir, that is what I was taught.

[JaxRolo]

Legal all day!

[zm1283]

The bigger question is how an entire association was split 50/50 on something like this. 

[JaxRolo]

The bigger question is how an entire association was split 50/50 on something like this. 

I agree. Basic 101 stuff here

[noumpere]

 I was taught as being legal when playing,

The more you learn about umpiring, the more you'll learn that what you were taught as a player ain't necessarily so.

[sthomas13100]

Thanks for the response, I stand corrected.

[Rich Ives]

Rich:

 

You can't make an assumption, just because this is my first year.  Over 50, and yes sir, that is what I was taught.

 

Over 70 and you were taught incorrectly.

[Rich Ives]

The bigger question is how an entire association was split 50/50 on something like this. 

 

Because no one does that move any more so it looks wrong.

[maven]

Simulating a motion towards home.

 

Most guys would consider the set position as when he bring the ball hand and glove together and comes "set".

 

From my definition, I just don't see how its possible to move my leg towards first without going towards home first?

 

So, first let's get rid of the idea of "simulating a motion toward home." That seems to run together two different ideas: simulating a pitch, which is illegal when F1 is not legally engaged, and moving toward home, which is illegal if F1 subsequently fails to pitch. Quite different infractions that need to be kept distinct: one is done off the rubber, the other is done on it.

 

Second, the set position is defined by the feet, not the hands. "Coming set" is another thing altogether, and is a moment during a pitch from the set position. Precision about the pitching terminology — which is not common among players — will help you get all this right.

 

Next, back to basics: from the set, F1 may legally do 3 things. He may disengage, pitch to the batter, or step and throw/feint to a base. This is true for both RHP and LHP: the rules make absolutely no distinction between what F1 may do based on his pitching hand.

 

The step required by "step and throw" has a fairly precise definition: the free foot must gain distance and direction toward the base where the throw is going. Distance: the free foot must move out of its footprint to count as a step. Direction: that motion must be approximately toward the base (within 45° either way).

 

These are the only restrictions on the step. You'll notice they do not mention the pivot foot.

 

So, finally: we all start umpiring from somewhere. You played the game, and you know it from that experience. That's fine, no problem at all. According to your experience, a RHP will almost always use a jump/jab step for a pickoff to 1B. That's legal. Then this question comes up: the mistake is to assume that because you've seen something done, that defines what's legal. The RULES define what's legal; if you're not certain (and you shouldn't be), look it up.

 

Particularly for pitching rules, umpires need to get their noses in the book more. Too many assumptions about what's legal based on what's common.

[sthomas13100]

Maven:

 

Thank you for taking the time to teach, much appreciated!

[Majordave]

@maven

Words have meaning! Your words really do.

It's hell sometimes being articulate and precise in an inarticulate and imprecise society for the most part.

[maven]

It's hell sometimes being articulate and precise in an inarticulate and imprecise society for the most part.

 

Hey, sounds as if you've read my job description!

[bam]

@maven

Words have meaning! Your words really do.

It's hell sometimes being articulate and precise in an inarticulate and imprecise society for the most part.

 

How would you know?  

[grayhawk]

Echo what others have written, but just wanted to add that Jim Evans shows this exact move in his balk video and says its legal.

[sthomas13100]

Grayhawk, can I find that on You Tube or do I need to buy the video?

[Majordave]

Buy the video. It's worth it. Part of your commitment to being professional.

[sthomas13100]

Just purchased it, thanks again.